10 Dark Secrets of B.R. Ambedkar which were kept Secret from the World!
B.R. Ambedkar is held in high regards in the Indian Society. In the speech of US President, Barak Obama in the Indian Parliament in 2010, he referred Dalit leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the great and revered Human Rights champion and main author of India’s constitution. Ambedkar was also awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously for his contributions in 1990.
But do you know that B.R. Ambedkar has some shocking dark secrets that are never talked of. Do you know that he was infamous for his anti-congress comments and dislike for Gandhiji?
So, here are 10 Dark Secrets of B.R. Ambedkar that no one will ever tell you.
Ambedkar was defeated in General Elections! Click next to read more
Ambedkar was twice defeated in General Elections
After the Independence of India, Ambedkar contested elections twice in 1952 and 1954. On both the occasions, he was defeated by the Dalit Candidates from the Indian National Congress.
This is quite shocking to know that the man who fought for the rights for the Untouchables was failed to win an election. This also questioned about the leadership of Ambedkar.
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Ambedkar’s second marriage to a Brahmin
Ambedkar’s health was not good after the drafting of the constitution. At this point, he was suffering from insomnia and many other problems. He was transferred to a hospital in Mumbai where he met Dr. Sharada Kabir, a Brahmin, whom he married on 15 April 1948.
Doctors advised him that he needed someone who can take care of him and has medical knowledge. It was at the time very controversial because it was thought that the motive of the marriage was political.
Click next to see what in his early life made him resolute to fight Caste System
The Early Life Incident that made him Fight Untouchability
Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in a very poor Dalit family which were considered Untouchable in the society. During his school, he was not allowed to enter the classroom. He was not even allowed to drink water from the same earthen pots (Matki)where Upper Caste students used to drink water.
Whenever he was thirsty, a peon used to pour water from a height and all the untouchable students used to drink water. In his book, ‘No Peon, No Water’ he described this pain which made him resolute to fight the caste system.
Click next to see his fight with Mahatma Gandhi
Ambedkar’s differences with Mahatma Gandhi
Ambedkar always had differences with Mahatma Gandhi on fighting the caste system though both the leaders fought untouchability.
Mahatma Gandhi believed that Caste System was not an evil as it was thought by B.R. Ambedkar. Gandhiji thought that caste was just for the division of the labor. He made an ashram and worked for the upliftment of the Dalits whom he called ‘Harijan’ (Children of God).
Click here to read if Mahatma Gandhi Suppressed Ambedkar!
Ambedkar thought that caste system was actually an evil in the society and it needs to be removed completely. He believed in the total annihilation of the caste system in the Hindu Society.
Click next to see what changed after the Poona Pact
Ambedkar and his followers saw Gandhi as their Enemy!
After the announcement by the Britishers that there will be separate elections for the Dalits and the upper caste. It was supported by Ambedkar but Gandhiji went on a hunger strike. This issue was resolved by an agreement between Gandhiji and B.R. Ambedkar signed a contract in the Poona Jail, known as the Poona Pact.
Click here to read if Mahatma Gandhi Suppressed Ambedkar!
After this, Ambedkar tried to get separate elections for the Dalits but all his efforts were in vain. Dalits were given the reservation in Govt jobs but he wanted more for the upliftment of the Dalits. He and his followers then started to see Gandhi as their enemy.
Click next to see why he wanted Separate Electoral
Ambedkar’s demand for Separate Electoral
Ambedkar was always in the favor of Separate Electoral. He thought that Upper Caste would never understand the problems of Dalits and if they are not given a chance, they will continue to be oppressed.
He argued before the Southborough Committee, which was preparing the Government of India Act 1919, Ambedkar argued for creating separate electorates and reservations for untouchables and other religious communities. He was granted his wish but he had to sign a contract because of the Hunger Strike by Mahatma Gandhi.
Ambedkar wrote a book to criticize Gandhi and INC. Click next to read
Ambedkar’s book criticizing Gandhi and INC
Ambedkar felt cheated that Gandhi and INC (Indian National Congress) could do more for the upliftment of the Dalits.
Ambedkar wrote, many years later criticizing Gandhi of the Hunger Strike during Poona Pact in his book “What Congress and Gandhi have Done to the Untouchables”. He said “There was nothing noble in the fast. It was a foul and filthy act. The Fast was not for the benefit of the Untouchables. It was against them and was the worst form of coercion against a helpless people to give up the constitutional safeguards [which had been awarded to them].”
Click next to see why Ambedkar left Hinduism!
Ambedkar and 6 Lakh others became Buddist!
Ambedkar was very hurt to see the conditions of the Dalits in the Indian Society. In a remark which may seem very controversial to some, he said that caste should be done away with in the Hindu society and he gave a call to lower caste to convert to other religions if necessary.
Ambedkar organized a formal public ceremony for himself and his supporters in Nagpur on 14 October 1956. He along with his 600,000 followers converted to Buddhism. He prescribed the 22 Vows for these converts, after the Three Jewels and Five Precepts and also traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal to attend the Fourth World Buddhist Conference.
Click next to see his stand on Women Rights
Ambedkar supported Women Rights
Not many people know this but B.R. Ambedkar was a big supporter of Women Rights and also fought for the labor Rights. He was also a professor and has written books on numerous topics. In fact, he is also credited to write the constitution of the RBI!
Click next to see why many people think that Ambedkar was Ungrateful
Criticism of Ambedkar
Many people believe that Ambedkar was ungrateful towards the people who helped them because he thought that they did not had the best motives behind his help.
His education was sponsored by a scheme established by Sayajirao Gaekwad III (Gaekwad of Baroda) and the job for drafting the constitution was also given by Nehru to him but he always had differences with them from time to time. This led to some criticism on Ambedkar.
So, Do you think that these were some of the Ambedkar’s dark secrets which History books do not tell us? Or do you have any other to share with us? Do tell us in the comment section below.
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