Dr. Babasahed Ambedkar

September 29, 2004 10:28 AM

The legacy of Dr. Babasahed Ambedkar, Indian Dalit ('untouchable') intellectual and activist who agitated for reform and equality through education for his people. He converted from Hinduism to Buddhism, and encouraged other Dalits to do likewise, based on that religion's casteless nature.
Related :- National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights.
posted by plep (7 comments total)

It's Babasaheb. 'saheb' literally means 'Sir'. 'Baba' refers to 'father' (in Marathi). His real name is Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
posted by Gyan at 10:35 AM on September 29, 2004

(Despite the fact that several Buddhist countries - most notably Tibet, Japan and Sri Lanka - have had various types of caste system, Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a means of political liberation for the Dalits).

More on the relationship and disagreements between Ambedkar, Gandhi and Nehru here.
posted by plep at 10:38 AM on September 29, 2004

Gyan :- Thanks and sorry for the typo.
posted by plep at 10:40 AM on September 29, 2004

He converted from Hinduism to Buddhism, and encouraged other Dalits to do likewise

And they do.

Great post, plep.
posted by homunculus at 1:53 PM on September 29, 2004

Many gods --> Optional god

That's progress! Good post.
posted by Pretty_Generic at 2:36 PM on September 29, 2004

Very interesting. Another person I wouldn't know of, if not for good posts to Mefi. Thanks.
posted by lobakgo at 2:37 PM on September 29, 2004

This is very important - thank you.
posted by jb at 9:06 PM on September 29, 2004