Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution has precipitated a heated political row. His remarks were met with strong condemnation from Congress and other opposition parties, who demanded both an apology and Shah’s dismissal. They protested in Parliament, stalling proceedings. Reacting, Shah stated that Congress was playing with the words of the politician with malicious intent and claimed that discussions about the Constitution expose opposition to Ambedkar and reservation.
Amidst this controversy, another mighty image of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s incredible academic achievements went viral, inspiring the general masses and leaving the audiences impressed. The photograph appeared on X (earlier Twitter) by YouTuber Dhruv Rathi, captioned as: “Power of Education,” followed with the blue heart emoticon symbol, and the hashtag, “BabaSaheb.
Power of Education 💙 #BabaSaheb pic.twitter.com/RFJlF5pZux
— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) December 19, 2024
The picture emphasizes Ambedkar’s rich educational background. He completed his primary education in Satara and furthered his secondary education at Elphinstone High School in Mumbai. Ambedkar graduated with a BA in Economics and Political Science from Bombay University. He then received a scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York, where he completed both his MA and PhD.
He then moved to London where he joined the London School of Economics (LSE) to pursue economics and also enrolled at Grey’s Inn to read law. Forced by the financial constraint to return to India in 1917, he continued his study with support from Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur, who provided him with monetary assistance, a loan by a friend, and finally his personal savings. He became a barrister and also completed his MSc and DSc at LSE.
After India’s first General Election in 1952, Ambedkar was elected to the Rajya Sabha and also received an honorary doctorate from Columbia University. The next year, he received another honorary doctorate from Osmania University.
The viral image that depicts qualifications of Ambedkar has instigated many in the Internet. One commented, “These degrees reflect Dr. Ambedkar’s extreme academic achievements and contributions made in the field of Law, Economics, and the Social Sciences.” Another wrote, “Education alone is the only key opens every door of opportunity.” The third one stated: “Not even 10 % of these are achieved by 95% of current politicians.” Some even claimed Ambedkar is a sheer inspiration with intellectual contributions.
Amit Shah’s Comment On Ambedkar
During a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah made a controversial remark about Ambedkar, saying, “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai – Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata [It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar’. If they had taken God’s name so many times, they would have earned a place in heaven].”
This statement drew sharp criticism from the opposition, especially from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi condemned Shah’s comments, calling Ambedkar “the architect of the Constitution” and a “great man who gave direction to the country.” Gandhi demanded an apology from Shah, asserting that the country would not tolerate such an insult to Ambedkar or the Constitution he framed.
Gandhi also blamed the ruling party for opposing the Constitution and Ambedkar’s ideology, saying, “They are against the Constitution. They had said earlier that we would change the Constitution. They are against Ambedkar and his ideology. Their whole work is to finish off Ambedkar’s contribution and the Constitution. The whole country knows.”
In response, PM Modi and other senior BJP leaders defended Shah, stating that his remarks had brought to the fore the “anti-Ambedkar” attitude of the opposition. Modi said, “They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics. Sadly, for them, people know the truth,” and added that Shah had exposed the opposition’s “dark history of insulting” Ambedkar.
