Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits). He was independent India's first law and justice minister, the major architect of the Constitution of India.

Ambedkar was a prolific student, earning doctorates in economics from both Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and gained a reputation as a scholar for his research in law, economics and political science.^[3] In his early career he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for India's independence, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing significantly to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956 he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.^[4]

In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred upon Ambedkar. Ambedkar's legacy includes numerous memorials and depictions in popular culture.

1st Minister of Law and Justice
In office 15 August 1947 – September 1951
Prime Minister	Jawaharlal Nehru
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Charu Chandra Biswas
Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee
In office 29 August 1947 – 24 January 1950
Labour Member, Viceroy's Executive Council
In office 1942–1946
Preceded by	Feroz Khan Noon
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Personal details
Born	14 April 1891 Mhow, Central Provinces, British India (now in Madhya Pradesh, India)
Died	6 December 1956 (aged 65) Delhi, India
Political party	Scheduled Castes Federation
Other political affiliations	Independent Labour Party, Republican Party of India
Spouse(s)	Ramabai (m. 1906; died 1935) [1] Savita Ambedkar (m. 1948) [2]
Alma mater	University of Mumbai (BA) Columbia University (MA, PhD) London School of Economics (MSc, DSc) Gray's Inn (Barrister-at-Law)
Profession	Jurist, economist, politician, social reformer
Awards	Bharat Ratna (posthumously in 1990)
Signature