Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar 2000

Approached by Lala Lajpat Rai at Columbia Library

Bhimrao Ambedkar, while studying at Columbia University, is approached by Lala Lajpat Rai with an invitation to join his Home Rule League. He declines, explaining that his scholarship funded by Sayajirao Gaekwad III requires his focus on studies. The encounter hints at his early exposure to political ideas while underscoring his devotion to education.

Completes first M.A. and writes Ancient Indian Commerce

Ambedkar passes his M.A. in June 1915, majoring in economics and studying sociology, history, philosophy and anthropology. He presents a thesis on Ancient Indian Commerce and is influenced by John Dewey's democracy writings. This period marks the beginning of his synthesis of economic and social thought.

Begins second M.A. and starts studies in London

In 1916, he completes a second M.A. with the thesis National Dividend of India - A Historic and Analytical Study. He enrolls for the Bar course at Gray's Inn and simultaneously at the London School of Economics, where he begins a doctoral thesis. He balances law training with ongoing economic research that shapes his later career.

Return to India to finish studies

In 1917, when the term of his scholarship ends, he is compelled to return to India in June with unfinished work. He is given permission to finish his studies within four years after returning home.

Loss of book collection at sea

Before returning, he sends his precious collection of books back on a steamship, but the vessel is torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. The loss deprives him of much of his scholarly library during a critical moment of his career.

Probationary officer in Baroda's Accountant General's Office

Ambedkar arrives in Baroda and begins working as a probationary officer in the Accountant General's Office. He faces caste-based hurdles and social exclusion even as he advances in the new role.

Baroda lodging discrimination and Parsi inn agreement

Unable to stay in Hindu hotels because of caste, Ambedkar finds a Parsi inn in Baroda. He agrees to stay if he adopts a Parsi name, accepting a humiliating compromise to secure shelter.

Untouchability incident at work

As a new senior officer, a peon refuses him water and throws a file on his desk. When he asks for water, others refuse, and he is told that his touch would pollute the pot, forcing him to fetch his own water.

Expulsion from Parsi inn and return to Bombay

Days later, Parsis discover he is not truly Parsi and on the eleventh day a group of angry Parsis come to remove him from the inn. With no lodging, he leaves Baroda and returns to Bombay to seek work elsewhere.

Bombay professorship application and early scorn

In Bombay, Ambedkar applies for the post of professor of political economy at Sydenham College. On the first day, students mock him as untouchable and possibly ignorant of English, while a professor named Trivedi insults him. These early humiliations underscore his caste-based obstacles in academia.

Launch of the newspaper Mooknayak

After meeting Shri Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, Ambedkar launches the newspaper Mooknayak in 1920 to advocate for untouchables and other marginalized groups. The move marks a shift toward publishing as a tool for social reform.