Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indian Constitution and Champion of Human Rights was born on 14th April, 1891 in a family belonging to the untouchable Mahar Community in Maharashtra. After graduating from Elphinstone College Bombay in 1912, he did his higher studies at Columbia University, USA where he was awarded Ph.D. Later, he joined the London School of Economics and Political Science and obtained the degree of D.Sc. (Eco) and was also called to the bar from Gray's Inn.

On return to India in 1923, he founded the "Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha" with the main objective of spreading education and improving economic conditions of the "Depressed Classes". With the slogan of "Educate, Agitate and Organise", the social movement led by Dr. Ambedkar aimed at annihilation  of caste and the reconstruction of Indian Society on the basis of equality of human beings.

In 1927, he led the Mahad march at the Chowdar Tank in Colaba, near Bombay to establish the right of the untouchables to take water from the public tank. This marked the beginning of the anti-caste and anti-priest movement. The temple entry movement launched by Dr. Ambedkar in 1930, at the Kalaram Temple, Nasik  is  another  landmark  in  the struggle for human rights and social justice. Dr. Ambedkar held  that "political power cannot be a panacea for the ills of the depressed classes. Their salvation lies in their  social elevation."

As Labour Member of the Viceroy's Executive Council from July 1942 he was instrumental in bringing about several legislative measures for protecting, the rights of the workers.

One of the greatest contributions of Dr. Ambedkar was in respect of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution. The Fundamental Rights provide for freedom, equality, abolition of untouchability and remedies for the enforcement of rights. The Directive  Principles enshrine the broad  guiding principles for securing fair distribution of wealth arid better living conditions.

On 14th October, 1956  Baba Saheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. He continued the crusade for social revolution till the end of his life on 6th December, 1956. He was honoured with the highest national honour, "Bharat Ratna" in April 1990. The Deptt. of Post s feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp to cherish  his memory.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India