Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 22 Issue 6

Hartley Hall where he could not stand the food. [ 5 John Dewey ] He passed his M.A. exam in June 1915, majoring in economics, and other subjects of Sociology, History, Philosophy and Anthropology. He presented a thesis called “Ancient Indian Commerce”. Babasaheb was influenced by a nd his work on democracy. In 1916, he submitted a second M.A. thesis called “National Dividend of India – A Historic and Analytical Study.” This paper contained the backbone of his post- doctoral thesis. Under the supervision of Prof Edwin Seligman, Ambedkar wrote his PhD dissertation called “The Evolution of Personal Finance in British India.” At the University of Columbia, Babasaheb also studied his paper “Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development” in a famous seminar, in which he argued two foremost points. One was for the cultural unity of India, and the other was the social origin of the caste system as opposed to a racial one. Both these conclusions were undoubtedly influential in his future life. [ 6 In 1917, Babasaheb enrolled himself for a course in Law at Gray’s Inn and the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) for a Doctoral thesis. When his scholarship ended, he had to go back to India mid-way. When he set sail for India, he shipped his books separately. Unfortunately, the ship which was carrying his books was torpedoed by a German submarine. Fortunately, he was granted permission to come back and present his thesis within four years. In 1921, he completed his Master’s degree. His thesis was called “The problem of the rupee: Its origin and its solution.” Two years later, he was called to the Bar. He also received a Doctorate in Economics. [ ] 7 In India, Babasaheb struggled a lot to find lodgings in Baroda, which was his first place of appointment. He tried to do other professions. Even as a Professor at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, he was despised as an untouchable Dalit by other members of the staff. [ ] 8] Although he was a successful Professor for the students, other Professors objected to his sharing a drinking-water jug with them! [ 9 It is to be noted that his academic years in Unites States of America and United Kingdom had a profound effect on him intellectually and morally. He experienced a meritocratic and democratic environment ] This demonstrated how sinister, obscure and dogmatic the Indian society was during those days. 5 https://www.braingainmag.com/ambedkar-abroad-a-tale-of-opportun ity-brilliance-and-grit.htm 6 "Ambedkar teacher" . 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. 7 https://www.braingainmag.com/ambedkar-abroad-a-tale-of-opportun ity-brilliance-and-grit.htm 8 https://www.braingainmag.com/ambedkar-abroad-a-tale-of-opportun ity-brilliance-and-grit.htm 9 Harris, Ian, ed. (2001). “ Buddhism and politics in twentieth-century Asia” . Continuum Internati onal Group . ISBN 978-0826451781 . in these two western countries. No other Indian personality had so far matched his academic feats, let alone one from the underprivileged classes such as the Dalit and Shrudas. Babasaheb was regarded as a brilliant barrister in the legal profession. In 1926, he successfully fought the case of three non-Brahmin leaders who had accused the Brahmin community of ruining India and were then subsequently sued for defamation. While practising law in the Bombay High Court, he tried to promote education to the untouchables of India in order to empower and uplift them. His first organised attempt was his creation of the central institution Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, intended to promote education and socio-economic improvement, as well as the welfare of “outcastes” , at the time referred to as depressed classes. [10] For the defence of Dalit rights, he started many periodicals like “Mook Nayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, and Equality Janta”. [11 IV. O pposition to H induism ] By 1927, Babasaheb decided to launch active movements against untouchability. The intention of his public movements and marches was to open up public drinking water resources. He also began a fierce struggle for the right of the untouchables to enter Hindu temples all over India. He led a “satyagraha” in Mahad to fight for the right of the untouchable community to draw water from the main water tank of the town. [ 12 Manusmriti ] In a conference in late 1927, Babasaheb publicly condemned the classic Hindu text, the (Laws of Manu), for ideologically vindicating caste discrimination and “untouchability”, and he ceremonially burned copies of the Hindu ancient text. On 25 th December 1927, he led thousands of his followers to burn copies of Manusmriti. [ 13] [ 14 Manusmriti Dahan Din ] Thus annually 25 th December is celebrated as (Manusmriti Burning Day) by Ambedkarites and Dalits. [ 15] [ 16 10 ] It was evident that Babasaheb regarded Hinduism as an imperfect religion imbued with dogmatic and obscurantic tenets. He also said in 1935 that he "Dr. Ambedkar". National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights. Ar chived from the o riginal on 8 October 2012 . Retrieved 12 January 2012 . 11 Benjamin, Joseph (June 2009). "B. R. Ambedkar: An Indefatigable Defender of Human Rights". Focus. Japan: Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA). 56 12 "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar" . Maharashtra Navanirman Sena. Ar chived from the original on 10 M ay 2011 . Retrieved 26 December 2010. 13 Kumar, Aishwary. "The Lies Of Manu" . outlookindia.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. 14 "Annihilating caste" . frontline . in. Archived from the original on 28 May 2 014. 15 Menon, Nivedita (25 December 2014). "Meanwhile, for Dalits and Ambedkarites in India, December 25th is Manusmriti Dahan Din, the day on which B R Ambedkar publicly and ceremoniously in 1927" . Kafila. Retrieved 21 October 2015 16 "11. Manusmriti Dahan Day celebrated as Indian Women's Liberation Day" . Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 th November 2015. Volume XXII Issue VI Version I 2 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 © 2022 Global Journals C Babasaheb: The Unsung Hero of India