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B. R. Ambedkar
Fondly called as Babasaheb, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar (B. R. Ambedkar) was born on 14 April 1891 in so-called low caste Dalit family. He was a brilliant student and completed his studies in various prestigious universities of India and world.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar took the cause of Dalit in the country and fought for their rights all his life. He was very critical of the inhuman and discriminatory practices prevailing in the country against the untouchables; he opposed Brahmanism and evils of Hindu social order. To fight for the rights of untouchables and depressed classes, he established Bahiskrit Hitakarni Sabha in 1924.
B. R. Ambedkar was totally opposed to Varna System of Hindu society and was even critical of Gandhi ji on the issue because Gandhi ji had faith in Varna System based on Karma and not on birth.
In the making of Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was elected as the chairman of the Drafting Committee; in the making of our Constitution, his was perhaps the greatest contribution. In the Constitution also, he helped include provisions of equality for Dalit and provision for abolition of untouchability.
Thus, his role in the upliftment of so-called depressed classes in Indian society is unparalleled; and for his contribution, Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in the year 1990.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
