Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Special on December 6th

Vasudev Devnani-

There are some figures in Indian history whose ideology, struggle, and vision continue to guide society for centuries to come. Dr. Bhimrao Ram Ambedkar was one such great man, who not only gave Indian society a new direction in the pursuit of equality, justice, and human rights, but he was also the great architect of the Indian Constitution. Although his body merged with the five elements on December 6, 1956, his ideology still lives on as the strongest foundation of Indian democracy. December 6th is celebrated as Mahaparinirvan Diwas. This is a sacred occasion to remember his great works, re-understand his thoughts, and take a firm pledge to establish equality and respect in society.

Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in the final years of his life and showed millions the path to social dignity. Therefore, calling his passing "Mahaparinirvana" honors his contribution to spiritual and social renaissance. This day not only commemorates the passing of a great leader, but also a day to revisit his message of social revolution. Every year, millions of people visit Deekshabhoomi in Dadar, Mumbai, to pay tribute to him. Central and state governments, social organizations, and educational institutions also organize various programs on this day.

Dr. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh). Born into a backward caste, he faced discrimination and humiliation throughout his childhood. He was made to sit separately in school and even received water from a separate vessel. This suffering became the driving force behind his struggle against social injustice. For higher education, he attended Columbia University in the United States and the London School of Economics in England. There, he pursued extensive studies in economics, politics, law, and sociology. Dr. Ambedkar, considered one of the world's greatest scholars, proved that talent is not born; anyone can achieve great heights if given the opportunity.

*Architect of the Indian Constitution*

When the Constitution of independent India was being drafted, the person the country trusted the most was Dr. Ambedkar. On August 29, 1947, the Constituent Assembly appointed him Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He crafted a Constitution that integrated equality, liberty, justice, fraternity, and human rights. He made provisions such as the abolition of untouchability, social justice, equality before the law, and equality of opportunity fundamental to the Constitution. The criminalization of untouchability under Article 17, and the special protection and representation measures for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are the results of Ambedkar's vision. Ambedkar believed that "political democracy can survive only if social and economic democracy is also established." Therefore, the framework for social and economic justice was clearly established in the Constitution.

*Architect of Social Revolution*

Dr. Ambedkar was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a great social revolutionary. He fought throughout his life for the rights of Dalits, the underprivileged, women, and the weaker sections. His major social initiatives included campaigns such as the abolition of the caste system, equal opportunities for Dalits in educational institutions, the temple entry movement, equal rights to water, temples, and social resources, and the message of "Educate, Organize, and Fight." Through the Hindu Code Bill, he made a historic effort to grant women equal rights in property rights, marriage, and divorce. Although it was not fully passed at the time, this effort later became the foundation of women's rights in modern Indian society.

Distressed by social discrimination and injustice, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, ushering in a new era of social equality, compassion, and justice. Dr. Ambedkar received invitations to join other religions, but instead of embracing other religions, he demonstrated his patriotism by embracing Buddhism, a religion rooted in Indian culture. He declared, "I embraced Buddhism so that my society may be liberated from the shackles that have humiliated me." For him, Buddhism was not merely a religious conversion, but also a movement for social self-respect and equality. Millions of people embraced Buddhism en masse with him, a movement considered one of India's greatest social reform movements.

*Relevance of Ambedkar's Thoughts*

Dr. Ambedkar's ideology remains as relevant today. Whenever there is talk of equality in society, when the rights of the weaker sections are discussed, and when the dignity of the Constitution is questioned, Dr. Ambedkar's name automatically comes to mind. Even in the current digital age, economic progress, and new social challenges, Ambedkar's message remains a guiding light. He used to say – “My life is a story of struggles, but my struggle is for the society.”

On Dr. Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas, we must pledge that equality and respect are the rights of every citizen. A society free from discrimination and inequality is a true democracy. The Constitution is supreme, and it is our responsibility to protect its fundamental spirit. Society can progress only by embodying these three principles: education, organization, and struggle. Social harmony, human empathy, and compassion are the true power of nation-building.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Diwas is a day of gratitude to a great scholar, constitutional expert, social reformer, economist, and humanitarian. Dr. Ambedkar gave Indian society a direction without which modern India would have been unimaginable. His life teaches us that even in the most difficult circumstances, if a person works with education, strong will, and human values, they can bring light into the lives of millions. Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts, courage, and contributions will continue to lead India towards justice, equality, and progress for centuries. This is the true tribute to him on his Mahaparinirvana Day