3 - “Mahatma” and/versus “Babasaheb”: The Ideology and Movements of B. R. Ambedkar

        Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and of the Untouchable Liberation Movement, in particular. Today, his titles include Dr., “Babasaheb,” and Bodhisattva. In addition, his followers use his first name in the greeting “Jay Bhim.” These titles and names highlight Ambedkar’s life and achievements—his ideas and movements—and point to the phenomenon of Ambedkar’s recognition as the great entity or significant symbol of the Dalits (formerly known as “Untouchables”) in contemporary India.
        B. R. Ambedkar was born into the Mahar family, which comprised one of the largest Untouchable castes in Maharashtra. He studied and eventually earned two PhDs from an American and a British university. After returning from abroad, Ambedkar devoted himself to movements supporting the political, economic, social, and religious liberation of the Untouchables. Ambedkar strongly opposed and criticized “Mahatma” based on disagreements between the two leaders concerning their goals, means, priorities, positions, and so on. Today, Gandhi is called the “Father of the Nation,” while Ambedkar is called the “Father of the Indian Constitution” because he was appointed chairperson of the constitution drafting committee. In other words, Gandhi cut a path toward the nation’s independence, while Ambedkar laid its new foundation. In this presentation, I will analyze the ideology and movements of B. R. Ambedkar compared with those of M. K. Gandhi and consider the differences and similarities between “Mahatma” and “Babasaheb.”