Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah

105

64 Pages
AUTHOR :- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
ISBN :- 978-9352207275

The Deccan Sabha of Poona invited me to deliver an address on the 101st birthday of the late Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, celebrated on January 18, 1943. Though initially hesitant, I accepted the invitation despite knowing my views on social and political issues might not be well-received.

I had no intention of publishing the address as such speeches often have little lasting value. However, persistent friends insisted on its publication, believing it should not be forgotten. Thus, the printed address differs slightly from the delivered one due to time constraints and paper shortages.

The publication’s circumstances are unusual, with reviews harshly criticizing the address even before its release. This is mainly an issue for the publishers, but it also underscores the address’s lasting value. My criticism of Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Jinnah, which some interpret as hatred, has been particularly controversial. However, my critiques are rooted in a desire for political settlement and justice, not personal animosity.

The Congress Press, which consistently misrepresents and criticizes me, is the primary source of condemnation. I believe this animosity reflects broader societal prejudices. Nonetheless, I remain committed to my duties, prioritizing India’s well-being over idolization of any individual. True nationalism requires recognizing that the country is greater than any single person.

– Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

About Author	Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism. After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits. In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".

About Author

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism.
After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.
In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".