Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Marathi: भीमराव रामजी आंबेडकर; Marathi pronunciation: [bhiːmɾaːʋ ɾaːmjiː aːmbeːɖkaɾ]; 14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956), also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar (Marathi: बाबासाहेब आंबेडकर; Marathi pronunciation: [baːbaːsaːɦeːb aːmbeːɖkaɾ]), was an Indian polymath - philosopher, jurist, economist, politician, social reformer, journalist, writer, sociologist, and anthropologist.[13][14] He inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits). He was British India's Minister of Labour, Chairman of the Constituent Drafting committee, independent India's first Minister of Law and Justice, and considered the chief 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, gaining reputation as a scholar for his research in law, economics and political science.[15] 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.[16]

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.