Indefatigable efforts

Ambedkar defended the draft constitution for 165 days and incorporated more than 2,000 amendments

- PROF VIVEK KUMAR

In the 75th year of its promulgation, the government of the day decided to celebrate the Indian Constitution round the year. Instead of having an informed debate, Indian political parties are trying to gain brownie points by claiming that they revere B.R. Ambedkar the most. As a result, Ambedkar's contributions to the Indian Constitution have been relegated to the periphery. Therefore, it is pertinent to understand the most crucial role played by him.

We should analyse Ambedkar's contribution to the Constitution at two levels. One as an ordinary member of the Constituent Assembly and second as the chairman of the Constitution drafting committee. The Constituent Assembly passed the Constitution in two years, 11 months and 17 days. That means Ambedkar was part of the assembly for 1,081 days. He was defending the Articles of the draft for 165 days, during 11 readings and worked for 141 days as the chairman of the drafting committee.

IN THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY