The Indian Constitution and its drafting process are often synonymous with Ambedkar. He is often referred to as the father of the Indian Constitution and is probably the most well-known of all Constituent Assembly members. Ambedkar became a key figure in India’s constitution-making process due to his offices, interventions, and speeches in the Assembly.
He was the Chairman of the Assembly’s most crucial committee – the Drafting Committee and a member of other important Committees. As Drafting Committee Chairman, he had to defend the Draft Constitution, which the Committee prepared, and therefore intervened in nearly every debate.
When Is The Constitution Day Celebrated In India?November 26thAmbedkar's birth anniversary, is celebrated as the Constitution Day or the Samvidhan Day of India.
Ambedkar wrote and submitted States and Minorities to the Constituent Assembly's Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights on behalf of the Scheduled Caste Federation party.
A mini-constitution in itself, States and Minorities framed strong constitutional protection for the Scheduled Caste community. Ambedkar’s interventions and speeches on various aspects of the Constitution were insightful, well-reasoned, and scrupulously researched. This won him the support and respect of other members of the Assembly, who allowed him to lead the constitution-making project.
Find out why we must honor and celebrate our Indian Constitution and how we can do so on this auspicious day.
Facts about Bhim Rao Ambedkar - "Father of the Indian Constitution"
Born on April 14, 1891, in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar. He was a renowned social reformer, politician, and jurist.
Ambedkar is called the Father of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar was born into a family of the Mahar caste of Hindu household, which is viewed as a caste of untouchables. Due to caste discrimination, Ambedkar had to face a lot of discrimination in society from time to time.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a prominent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits) and also played a key role in drafting the Constitution of India.
Drafting the Indian Constitution: Dr. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee and played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India. His efforts ensured the inclusion of provisions for social justice, equality, and fundamental rights.
Annihilation of Caste: This is one of his seminal works, originally conceived as a speech, but later published as an essay. In it, he critiques the caste system and advocates for its abolition.
The Problem of the Rupee: Ambedkar's expertise extended to economics, and this book explores the problems related to the Indian currency during the British colonial period.
Who Were the Shudras?: In this work, Ambedkar delves into the historical origins of the Shudra caste, challenging prevailing narratives and asserting the importance of understanding their history.
Thoughts on Linguistic States: Ambedkar was also involved in the debate on the reorganization of Indian states on linguistic lines. This work presents his views on the issue.
The Buddha and His Dhamma: Dr. Ambedkar was deeply influenced by Buddhism and embraced it later in his life. This book explores the life and teachings of the Buddha and his relevance to modern society.
"His legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality in India and beyond."
Ambedkar was the founder and member of the Independent Labour Party. Later, the name was changed to Scheduled Castes Federation by Babasaheb and later evolved as the Republican Party of India. His party fought the 1937 Bombay election to the Central Legislative Assembly for 13 reserved and four general seats, he won 11 and 3 seats, respectively. Babasaheb was appointed as the Union Law Minister and Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. The Constitution Drafting Committee was responsible for writing the Constitution of India.
Ambedkar Remembrance Day, also called Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti, is marked on 14 April to honor the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar.
Role in India’s Independence Movement
Ambedkar’s role in the independence struggle was complex. Unlike the dominant political discourse that focused on persuading the British to cede greater power to Indians and eventually leave India, Ambedkar’s interventions and advocacy centered more on protecting and furthering Dalit rights. As a result, he often clashed with the Indian National Congress.
He worked towards putting in place political safeguards for untouchables, the first of which was his presentation to the Southborough Committee preparing the Government of India Act 1919. Other instances of this were the Poona Pact 1932, in which he clashed with M.K. Gandhi, and his setting up the Scheduled Castes Federation party. He also played a key role in social movements that fought for the rights of untouchables to access public utilities and temples, such as the Mahad Satyagraha.
In 1894, Babasaheb's family relocated to Satara in Maharashtra, and shortly after their move, his mother passed away.
His teacher Mahadev Ambedkar, who was a Brahmin, had a fondness for him and decided to change his surname from 'Ambavadekar' to his surname 'Ambedkar' in the school records.
"Additionally, changing his name was part of his broader effort to assert his identity and break free from the societal constraints imposed by the caste system."
Dalit movement in India
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in the Dalit movement in India. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and upliftment of the Dalit community, also known as the untouchables. Here are some key contributions and roles he played:
- Social Reformer: Dr. Ambedkar worked relentlessly to eradicate social discrimination and caste-based inequalities. He advocated for the rights of Dalits and fought against untouchability, which was deeply rooted in Indian society.
- Dalit Empowerment: Dr. Ambedkar emphasized education as a means of empowerment for Dalits. He established educational institutions like the People's Education Society and campaigned for equal access to education for all.
- Political Activism: Dr. Ambedkar founded the political party called the Scheduled Castes Federation, which later became the Republican Party of India. He used his political influence to advocate for the rights of Dalits and challenge discriminatory practices.
- Conversion to Buddhism: In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers. This act aimed to provide a distinct identity to Dalits and escape the hierarchical caste system.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's relentless efforts in the Dalit movement have left a lasting impact on Indian society. His work continues to inspire social justice movements and promote equality in India and beyond.
What Was The Role of Dr. Ambedkar In Drafting India's Constitution
On 29th August 1947, after passing one resolution, the Constituent Assembly appointed a ‘Drafting Committee” with seven members, including Dr. Ambedkar, to prepare a draft of the Constitution of independent India. It is said that when the Constitution of India was drafted, Pandit Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel thought of inviting and consulting Sir Guor Jennings an internationally known constitutional expert of those times.
When approached for advice in the matter, Gandhiji is reported to have told them why they should be looking for foreign experts when they had the right within India an outstanding legal and constitutional expert in Dr. Ambedkar who ought to be entrusted with the role which they badly need as he so richly and rightly deserved. The Law Minister, Dr. Ambedkar, was appointed the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The seven members, including the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, were as follows:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman
- N. Goipalswami
- Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyas
- K.M. Munshi
- Saijo Mola Saadulla
- N. Madhava Rao and
- D.P. Khaitan
Dr. Ambedkar had a charismatic personality. He was pragmatic par excellence and never allowed himself to be swayed by abstract ideas and ideals. He strongly believed political independence could not assure social solidarity or national integration without social justice. Being a democratic socialist, he propagated that fundamental rights have little meaning to people in the absence of social democracy.
Ambedkar sought to achieve certain objectives through the Constitution of India by incorporating the following principles:
- Making the Indian constitution workable, flexible, and strong enough to hold the country together in peace and wartime
- Providing special safeguards to minorities and certain social and educationally backward classes
- Incorporating the principle of one man, one value, and one man, one vote
- Incorporating exceptions and qualifications to the FRs while advocating preventive detention President of India.
- Abolishing untouchability and forced labor to achieve the ideal of 'one man, one value, and one man, one vote' and placing all people equally before the law
- Securing equal protection of laws for every citizen as also freedom of profession and equality of opportunity
- Incorporating the right to constitutional remedies
Dr. Ambedkar was the first and foremost leader of the oppressed classes. The struggle of the oppressed classes for human rights and socio-political equality from the twenties to the fifties of the 20th century is woven around his name Being elected Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr. Ambedkar played a key role in viewing the structure of the government and the forms of the Constitution.
Round Table Conference
The Round Table Conference was a landmark in the history of the Indian Constitution. Being invited to discuss constitutional matters, Dr. Ambedkar demanded independence and hoped that the people of India would be able to redress their grievances by political power, and this political power will come to them under the ‘Swaraj’ constitution. He advocated for a government which was a responsible government formed by the representatives of the people.
Dr. Ambedkar examined the functioning of a democratic government based on stability and responsibility. However, the Draft Constitution recommended that the parliamentary and executive wings must have more responsibility. As regards the character of the Constitution, it was Federal in form and Unitary in Spirit”. It established a dual polity with the Union at the Centre and the States at the periphery, each endowed with sovereign powers to be exercised in the field assigned to them respectively by the Constitution.
Concept of Federalism
Ambedkar's concept of federalism meant that the State was a federation in normal circumstances but unitary in an emergency.
Central Authority
In the Draft Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar offered more powers to the Centre and strengthened it. Some members of the constituent assembly criticized him on the ground that since Dr. Ambedkar advocated the rights and values of each individual and the development of each province and village, it was contradictory on his part to make the Centre strong. Justifying the provisions for a strong central authority, Dr. Ambedkar said that he made the center strong not only to ‘save minorities from the misrule of the majority' but also “for it is only the center which can work for a common end and the general interests of the country as a whole.”
Equality of Opportunity
In the Draft Constitution, the “Fundamental Rights” prescribed were justifiable in the Court of Law. Dr. Amebedkar observed “Equality of Opportunity” as the most important of all rights. Regarding constitutional remedies, he characterizes Article 32 as the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it. To him, fundamental rights would mean establishing equality and liberty to reform our social system, which is full of inequalities, discrimination, and conflicts with our fundamental rights.
Directive Principles of State Policy
The Directive Principles of State Policy contained the state's positive obligations towards its citizens. The Directives were meant to ensure social and economic democracy secured by the provisions of fundamental rights in a written Constitution.
The Indian Constitution: A Dynamic Document
The Constitution is a dynamic document it should grow with the growth of the nation and should suit the changing needs and circumstances. So Dr. Ambedkar urged the necessity of amendment.
“The Draft Constitution has eliminated the elaborate and difficult procedures such as a convention or referendum decision. The power of amendment lies with the legislatures, Central and Provincial ….”
Concept of Sovereignty and Suzerainty
Dr. Ambedkar’s concept of sovereignty and suzerainty of the Indian States, i.e., integration of the native Indian Princely States, which shaped India's rap as if today, has indeed been prophetic. So also were his explicit and outspoken views on what he called the biggest blunder of the Partition of India. Dr. Ambedkar forewarned his countrymen of the consequences of partition. His questioning of the rationale of the Two-nation Theory, which gave birth to Pakistan, was born of deep interest in and compassion for his compatriots, especially the Scheduled castes settled for centuries within the territorial jurisdiction of the new nation of Pakistan.
Article 32 of the Indian Constitution
Article 32 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to constitutional remedies. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar considered this article to be the heart and soul of the Constitution. He believed that it was the most important article as it provides individuals with a direct right to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
The significance of Article 32 lies in its role as a safeguard against the violation of fundamental rights. It empowers any individual to directly approach the Supreme Court if they believe that their fundamental rights have been infringed upon. This provision ensures that citizens have access to justice and can seek remedies for the violation of their rights.
Article 32 also acts as a check on the executive and legislative branches of the government. It enables the Supreme Court to issue writs, including habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari, to protect and enforce fundamental rights. These writs are powerful tools used by the court to ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld and protected.
Five Major Factors Which Contributed To The Making of Our Constitution
The making of the Constitution of India was the result of a series of events:
1) The people of India developed a sense of nationalism, which led to the demand for sovereignty and their own Constitution.
2) In 1928, Motilal Nehru and his companions prepared a draft of the Constitution that reflected the beliefs and ideologies of Indians.
3) In 1935, the Indian National Congress officially called for a Constituent Assembly to be formed in order to frame the Constitution of India.
4) The Constituent Assembly was established in 1946 with the responsibility of preparing India's Constitution.
5) After Independence, the Assembly became a fully sovereign body. The partition also led to the demand for the recognition of the sovereignty of the State. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949.
National Integration
In the Draft Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar prescribed single citizenship, a single judiciary, and uniformity in fundamental Laws to integrate Indian society, which was not only divided into castes and classes but also into regions, religions, languages, traditions, and cultures. Therefore, a strong Centre was indispensable to maintain territorial integrity and administrative discipline. When it was finally decided that India should be divided into India and Pakistan, Dr. Ambedkar demanded that Punjab, Bengal, and the territories be added to India.
A pragmatist to the core, Ambedkar believed that without economic and social justice, political independence would not bring about social solidarity or national integration. He advocated the abolition of privileges based on caste or status and vigorously fought for the liberty and dignity of the individual. At the same time, he was equally forceful in his advocacy of the nation's unity.
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