Reconstructing society: B.R. Ambedkar's search for Buddhism

"On 14 October 1956, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in a public ceremony in Nagpur. This dramatic act which gave rise to an entire movement of religious conversion has often been described as Ambedkar's 'last battle cry' or as a purely 'political' act. In this timely and learned volume, fifteen scholars revisit Ambedkar and conclude that a proper understanding of his views on Buddhism is necessary for an authoritative study of his thought. In doing so they link Ambedkar with the vision of reconstructing society at large, and also situate him within the Buddhist tradition.

"Raising a multidisciplinary voice, this volume shows that Ambedkar's worldview was one that transcended the Dalit issue, and in fact provided a blueprint for the reconstruction of human society. The essays examine the very core of Ambedkar's sociology of religion and highlight important influences which played a critical role in the formulation of his ideas. They bring to the fore Ambedkar's view of religion as a progressive and constructive force in human society, a view which has once again acquired significance in present times.

"The volume examines how Ambedkar treated the Buddhist scriptures, and innovated Buddhism in an unprecedented manner. His search for a universal approach in visually representing the 'New' Buddhism is studied, as are his efforts to overcome gender inequality in Indian society. After having considered the historic dimension to Ambedkarite Buddhism, the volume moves on to discuss what shape the movement has taken in India today, and where it is most likely headed.

"An invitation for a broader and more interdisciplinary academic debate, this extensive social history of Ambedkar's Buddhism establishes that his view of the world religion amalgamated universalist ethics and a path of individual purification and liberation. It will be read by students and scholars of Buddhist studies, religious studies, sociology, anthropology and history; activists and members of numerous voluntary organisations; as well as the informed layperson interested in the state of play of religion in India today." (jacket)

Conversion to Buddhism

In the 1950s, Ambedkar turned his attention to Buddhism and traveled to Sri Lanka to attend a convention of Buddhist scholars and monks. While dedicating a new Buddhist vihara near Pune, Ambedkar announced he was writing a book on Buddhism, and that as soon as it was finished, he planned to make a formal conversion to Buddhism.

In 1955, he founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha, or the Buddhist Society of India. He completed The Buddha and His Dhamma in 1956, although it was published posthumously.

Ambedkar organized a formal public ceremony for himself and his supporters in Nagpur on October 14, 1956. Accepting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts from a Buddhist monk, Ambedkar completed his own conversion. He then converted an estimated 380,000 of his supporters. Taking the 22 Vows, Ambedkar and his supporters explicitly condemned and rejected Hinduism and Hindu philosophy. Ambedkar completed his final manuscript, The Buddha or Karl Marx, on December 2, 1956.

Studies in the USA and the UK

The Maharaja of Baroda had a scheme to send a few outstanding scholars abroad for further studies. Of course, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was selected - but he had to sign an agreement to serve Baroda state for ten years on finishing his studies.

In 1913, he went to the USA where he studied at the world-famous Columbia University, New York. The freedom and equality he experienced in America made a very strong impression on Bhimrao. It was so refreshing for him to be able to live a normal life, free from the caste prejudice of India. He could do anything he pleased - but devoted his time to studying. He studied eighteen hours a day. Visits to bookshops were his favourite entertainment!

His main subjects were Economics and Sociology. In just two years he had been awarded an M.A. - the following year he completed his Ph.D. thesis. Then he left Columbia and went to England, where he joined the London School of Economics. However, he had to leave London before completing his course because the scholarship granted by the State of Baroda expired. Bhimrao had to wait three years before he could return to London to complete his studies.

The Life of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on 14^th April, 1891 in Mahu Cantt in Madhya Pradesh. He was the fourteenth child of his parents.

The life of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was marked by struggles but he proved that every hurdle in life can be surmounted with talent and firm determination. The biggest barrier in his life was the caste system adopted by the Hindu society according to which the family he was born in was considered 'untouchable'.

In the year 1908, young Bhimrao passed the Matriculation examination from Bombay University with flying colours. Four years later he graduated in Political Science and Economics from Bombay University and got a job in Baroda. Around the same time his father passed away. Although he was going through a bad time, Bhimrao decided to accept the opportunity to go to USA for further studies at Columbia University for which he was awarded a scholarship by the Maharaja of Baroda. Bhimrao remained abroad from 1913 to 1917 and again from 1920 to 1923. During this period he had established himself as an eminent intellectual. Columbia University had awarded him the PhD for his thesis, which was later published in a book form under the title "The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India". But his first published article was "Castes in India - Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development". During his sojourn in London from 1920 to 1923, he also completed his thesis titled "The Problem of the Rupee” for which he was awarded the degree of DSc. Before his departure for London he had taught at a College in Bombay and also brought out Marathi weekly whose title was 'Mook Nayak' (meaning 'Dumb Hero').

The RPI was founded by Ambedkar's

The RPI (Republican Party of India) was founded by Ambedkar's chosen lieutenants on Oct 3, 1957, -- 10 months after his death and a year after he embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his scheduled caste followers. An estimated 700,000 people had attended the foundation ceremony at Nagpur's Deeksha Bhoomi.

The party was formed as per the blueprint that the Dalit icon had handed down to his political heirs, days before his death on Dec 6, 1956. Ambedkar's mandate was to set up a broad-based version of two parties he had earlier launched -- the Labour Party in 1936 and the Scheduled Caste Federation in 1942.

Ambedkar Center for Justice and Peace

Ambedkar Center for Justice and Peace is a global volunteer charity organization with its Global Headquarters at Tunkhannock, PA, USA. Our aim is to follow the path shown by our savior, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. According to Government of India’s statistics 2002 (annual report of Commission for Scheduled Caste and Tribes (Untouchables and Tribals)), caste prejudice is responsible for at least 60,000 plus crimes against Dalits each year. Every two hours, a Dalit woman is raped, Dalits are beaten, murdered and their homes are burnt.

Ambedkar was born on 14th April 1891. His full name was Bhimrao Ambavadekar. A story is narrated about Ambedkar’s birth. Ramji Sakpal’s uncle was a saint. Once he told Ramji, "You will have a son. He will become world famous, " and blessed him. Bhimrao Ambavadekar was born after this. His mother died when he was just five years old.

The importance that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had in the shaping of modern India should not be forgotten. He led millions of the oppressed to a life of self-respect, dignity, and responsibility. Babasaheb always stressed the importance of better education, so that our position in society can be uplifted. It was he who was primarily responsible for the Constitution, adopted after India became independent. Babasaheb began the revival of Buddhism in India that has grown tremendously after his death, and continues to grow today among his countless followers.

This book briefly outlines the history of his life, showing how he overcame all the difficulties facing the oppressed in India, to become one of the greatest men of modern times.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was truly a multi-faceted personality

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was truly a multi-faceted personality. A veritable emancipator of Dalits, a great national leader and patriot, a great author, a great educationist, a great political philosopher, a great religious guide and above all a great humanist without any parallel among his contemporaries. All these facets of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's personality had strong humanistic underpinnings. It is only regrettable that the press in the past as well as the contemporary has projected Ambedkar mainly as a great social rebel and a bitter critic of the Hindu religion. Critics of Dr. Ambedkar have ignored his basic humanistic instincts and strong humanitarian convictions behind his every act or speech through out his life. It is important to trace the origin and consolidation of his humanistic convictions.