Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, often referred to as Babasaheb Ambedkar, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Indian Constitution. Following India’s independence on 15 August 1947, he was appointed as the nation’s first Law Minister. Shortly thereafter, on 29 August 1947, he was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution for the future Republic of India.
The Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting the Constitution, originally had 389 members, later reduced to 299 after the partition of India. This assembly deliberated extensively, holding eleven sessions over 165 days before adopting the Constitution on 26 November 1949.
Ambedkar’s contributions were instrumental in shaping India’s legal and social framework. He championed economic and social rights for women and introduced a system of reservations in civil services, schools, and colleges for members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes—a system akin to affirmative action. These measures aimed to eradicate socio-economic inequalities and provide opportunities for India’s marginalized communities.
In his concluding speech to the Constituent Assembly on 25 November 1949, Ambedkar warned about the potential threats to democracy, particularly the dangers of ‘bhakti’ or hero-worship in politics, which he feared could lead to dictatorship. He emphasized that while the Constitution provided a framework, the success of democracy depended on the people and their commitment to constitutional principles.
Dr. Ambedkar’s vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on India’s constitutional democracy, ensuring the protection of individual rights and promoting social justice.
