Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar - Writings and Speeches [PDF]

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Bhīmrāo Rāmjī Āmbēḍkar; 14 April 1891 – 6 December
1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and statesman who
chaired the committee that drafted the Constitution of India based on the
debates of the Constituent Assembly of India and the first draft of Sir Benegal
Narsing Rau. Ambedkar served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet
of Jawaharlal Nehru. He later renounced Hinduism, converted to Buddhism and
inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement.

After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar
studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics,
receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of
Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also
trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an
economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political
activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition,
publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits,
and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he
converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.

In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously
conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by
followers honours him. He is also referred to by the honorific Babasaheb
(BAH-bə SAH-hayb), meaning "Respected Father".

— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._R._Ambedkar

Dr B. R. Ambedkar
in 'Annihilation of Caste'

An ideal society should be mobile, should be full of channels for conveying a
change taking place in one part to other parts. In an ideal society there
should be many interests consciously communicated and shared. There should be
varied and free points of contact with other modes of association. In other
words there should be social endosmosis. This is fraternity, which is only
another name for democracy. Democracy is not merely a form of Government. It is
primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It
is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellowmen.