Page 30 - SocialHarmony

34 Social Harmony

Babasaheb’s campaign for the upliftment of the Dalits had
several keypoints. One of them was the expression of one’s
personality. He dreamt that every Dalit child should have a
strong will, a healthy body, a good education, be full of self-
confidence and have the strength to look the world in the eye.

The mere name of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar brings a ripple
of energy. He was a great man and he belonged to the whole
world.

Gujarat played a vital role in the life of Babasaheb. He had
received his higher education with the help of a scholarship
provided by the Maharaja of Vadodara and had later settled in
Vadodara. It is important to understand the contribution of
Sayajirao in social equality and harmony. He was instrumental
in bringing great men such as Maharshi Arvind to Vadodara
and utilizing their capabilities for the welfare of the kingdom.
Dr. Babasaheb was one of the, ‘Nav-Ratnas’ of the Vadodara
court. He arrived in Vadodara as part of the administrative
services but some bitter experiences there ignited the fire for
the struggle towards equality. This struggle led to Babasaheb
being recognized as the saviour of the deprived.

On Babasaheb’s Path
It is true that we will have to tread on the path shown by

Babasaheb if we want to achieve progress. Buddhist tradition
and religion talk about, “Ap Divo Bhav” (Be the light yourself).
Babasaheb never allowed darkness near him in his entire life.
There is no other option except being enlightened oneself if we
wish to achieve social development. Light given by others is
short-lived. Only a life that is self-enlightened can take one on
the path of light forever.

Babasaheb is the greatest inspiration for education. We have
never had to face the struggles which he faced as a student. The
troubles he endured would rarely befall anyone. In spite of such
adverse circumstances, he was able to reach the highest levels
of education. One of his qualities was that he never preached
what he did not practice himself. Till he attained education
himself, he did not ask others to do so. This is the correct way.