Remembering Dr B.R.Ambedkar.By our enlightened reader Satish Mehra.Dr. Ambedkar’s Research in Economics: The Foundation of the Indian Economy

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal

Remembering Dr B.R.Ambedkar.By our enlightened reader Satish Mehra.Dr. Ambedkar’s Research in Economics: The Foundation of the Indian Economy

The birthdays of great individuals are celebrated worldwide to propagate their philosophy, thoughts, and vision, inspiring the current generation to draw lessons from their lives. In this context, today, not only in India but across the globe, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is remembered with immense reverence and pride. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is globally recognized as the architect of the Indian Constitution. The excellence of the Constitution has made India the world’s strongest and greatest democratic nation. Only a rare few can achieve such monumental success amidst such immense struggles.On April 14, 1891, a child was born to Bhimabai and Ramji Maloji Sakpal in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. No one could have imagined that this child would one day shine not only as a Bharat Ratna but as a global jewel. His struggles began in childhood. When he started school, he faced social discrimination at every step. It is well-known that he was treated as an “untouchable” in his classroom. Despite this, he persevered with his education and proved his brilliance at various levels. Recognizing his talent, the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad, sponsored his education abroad. Dr. Ambedkar earned doctorates from Columbia University in New York, the London School of Economics, and the University of London. In total, Babasaheb acquired 26 degrees, including doctorates in four subjects, making him one of the most educated individuals of his time. Even today, his statues stand in the libraries of Columbia University and the University of London, a source of pride for every Indian. By then, Dr. Ambedkar had gained international acclaim in the fields of economic, social, and global reforms.In 1923, his Ph.D. thesis in economics from the London School of Economics, titled The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution, reflected his profound understanding of the subject. This book played a pivotal role in laying the financial foundation of independent India. Dr. Ambedkar offered a fresh perspective on India’s economic history, and this work continues to serve as a guide for economic policy reforms.Notably, when this book was written, India was under British rule, and there was intense debate over the Indian currency system. The British administration had shifted the currency from the “Silver Standard” to the “Gold Standard.” While this change benefited British interests, it was detrimental to the Indian economy. In his book, Dr. Ambedkar provided a detailed analysis of this issue and proposed solutions to India’s economic challenges.To reform currency management, he suggested the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which was founded in 1935. The RBI’s creation marked a milestone in Indian currency management.Dr. Ambedkar also focused on agricultural reforms and the issues faced by farmers. He emphasized scientific methods in agriculture and believed that balanced development of both industry and agriculture was essential for economic progress.He advocated for the welfare of laborers and industrial workers, promoting measures such as an eight-hour workday, minimum wages, and the establishment of a labor welfare fund. He proposed laws to organize Indian labor unions and protect workers’ rights. Thus, it is no exaggeration to call Dr. Ambedkar the greatest champion of farmers, laborers, and industrial workers.After independence, when the task of drafting India’s Constitution arose, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi entrusted Dr. Ambedkar with the responsibility of chairing the Drafting Committee. The seven-member committee included Kanhaiyalal Munshi, Mohammad Saadullah, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Gopalaswami Ayyangar, N. Madhav Rao, and T.T. Krishnamachari. In November 1948, T.T. Krishnamachari noted in the Constituent Assembly that due to death, illness, foreign travel, or other commitments, most committee members could not contribute to drafting the Constitution. Consequently, the entire responsibility fell on Dr. Ambedkar. Viewing it as a sacred duty to the nation, he completed the Constitution in 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days. The authenticity with which he incorporated rights, duties, directive principles, reservations, and 395 provisions into the Constitution cements his legacy as its architect. While respecting Indian traditions, beliefs, religions, and cultures, he enshrined them in the Constitution.Post-independence, on September 2, 1953, a heated debate took place in the Rajya Sabha regarding increasing the powers of governors and safeguarding minority interests. Dr. Ambedkar stood firm and, in a moment of passion, declared that if the interests of Dalits and minorities were compromised, there would be no justification for implementing the Constitution.Dr. Ambedkar played a key role in introducing the Hindu Code Bill, labor reform laws, and securing equal voting rights for men and women. He was a living embodiment of resilience, hard work, social reform, nationalism, humanism, and egalitarianism. He consistently emphasized the importance of education, famously stating, “Education is the milk of a lioness; whoever drinks it will roar.” He believed that a nation or society that prioritizes education will progress proportionally. His dedication to education is evident from the 15,000 books in his personal library during his final days. In his autobiography, Waiting for a Visa, he candidly described the social inequalities he faced. He once remarked, “I may have been born a Hindu, but I will not die as one.” True to his words, two months before his death on October 14, 1956, he embraced Buddhism. In his biography, he wrote, “A person may or may not have shoes on their feet, but they must have a book in their hands.” This message urges today’s youth to dedicate more time to education to improve their lives and advance the nation and society.Dr. Ambedkar is globally revered as a remarkable social reformer and tireless warrior. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Haryana to pay floral tributes to him. The nation hopes he may announce measures for the economic welfare of farmers, workers, the poor, and laborers. Today, the entire country salutes Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who, even at the cost of immense personal sacrifice, taught millions to live with dignity and pride.