LSE Library curator Daniel Payne introduces an online exhibition that explores the life and legacy of one of the School’s most important alumni: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, our online exhibition explains, was affectionately known as “Babasaheb” (“Respected Father”) and led an extraordinary life. Born in 1891 in India to a poor family belonging to a Dalit community (referred to at that time as “Untouchables”; considered to be the lowest of the social hierarchy and outside of the Hindu caste system), he faced extreme discrimination and segregation throughout his life. He went on to gain two doctorates from LSE and Columbia University, and was also called to the bar at Gray’s Inn. A brilliant scholar of social justice, Ambedkar fought for the representation and rights of Dalit communities and was involved in the Independence movement in India; he was Chair of the Drafting Committee for the Indian constitution.
The online exhibition makes available for the first time the entirety of Ambedkar’s LSE student file. This living exhibition will continue to document Ambedkar’s lasting impact on the LSE community, so watch this space for ways to get involved.
Watch our launch event “Ambedkar: Caste, Constitution, Gender” a collaboration between the LSE South Asia Centre, LSE Library, and the DecolonisingLSE Collective:
A huge thanks to Dr Nilanjan Sarkar (LSE South Asia Centre), Dr Jayaraj Sundaresan (LSE Geography) and Andy Jack (LSE Library) for all their hard work, expertise and collaboration in making the exhibition possible. For any questions about the exhibition please get in touch with the Library.
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