"Becoming Babasaheb" by Aakash Singh Rathore

"Becoming Babasaheb" is an ambitious biography of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar that presents the life and times of Ambedkar in the chronological order of events from his birth in 1891 until the Mahad Satyagraha in 1929 - probably the first volume of the biography to be followed by another. The biography clears up many misconceptions prevalent surrounding the actions and decisions of Ambedkar. With exhaustive research and list of references evident from the bibliography and notes at the end of the book, a lot of fact checking has gone into the writing of this book. 

This book also debates the anamolies and discrepancies put forward by other biographies of Ambedkar. Though the book articulates in detail the key events that made Ambedkar "Babasaheb" among the untouchables and marginalized, it sometimes attempts too much correcting the chronology and justification behind Ambedkar's actions that are put forth by other biographers. 

Nevertheless, this book delves deep into the political stance Ambedkar took in various occasions and how it brought about a shift in mindset of the Savarna Hindus, untouchables and the British government. The articles published by Ambedkar after the historic Mahad conference are such samples which are discussed in detail here. Ambedkar's choice of words in these articles not only urged untouchables for gaining self-respect and their readiness to fight against the inveterate beliefs, but also served as a warning to the caste Hindus and the British government on the impending battle against the denial of fundamental rights, education and basic amenities to the untouchables and the social reform acts that were not put into action.

This book is an earnest attempt that not only showers acclaims on the reforms which Ambedkar was instrumental in implementing, but also criticizes some of the decisions made by Ambedkar. The distressing events of caste inequalities that unfolded in Ambedkar's life and his painful recollection of the same are also touched upon here. 

A personality who should have been celebrated as the leader of entire country is sadly being restricted as the leader of a particular community. More such works like this might serve the purpose of portraying Dr.Ambedkar as the leader of the masses. 

Remembering Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary!