Er.H.R Phonsa
Not only that, a time will come when, so whispers my conscience, Ambedkar will shine as a front rank leader of all India fame and appeal,”
His Highness Gakward, the Maharaja of Bikaner——– (Who granted scholarship for Ambedkar’s education in USA ) after listening Dr. Ambedkar’s speech in First Round Table Conference said to his queen “Their efforts and money they had spent on the speaker of the day ( Ambedkar ) were all realized”. It was an achievement, a glorious success. The Maharaja was full of admiration, satisfaction and high appreciations with tears of joy in his eyes for Dr. Ambedkar.The Maharaja hosted a special dinner to honour Dr Ambedkar in which many high personalities including Maharaja Hari Singh( J and K) participated.
Mahatama Gandhi in a speech (Out side Second Round Table Conference) said “I have the highest regards for Dr. Ambedkar. He has every right to be bitter. That he does not break our heads is an act of self- restraint on his part. He is today so much saturated with suspicion that he can not see anything else. He sees in every Hindu a determined opponent of the untouchables and it is quite natural. The same thing happened to me in my early days in South Africa ….. It is quite natural for him to vent his wrath …..”
U. Nu. The Primer of Burma said “Dr. Ambedkar was without dispute one of the illustrious figures that played a historic part in the annals of the great country India, at a time when changing trends and conditions were making significant impression on the life and social structure of the nation. He was one of those who helped accelerated process of the social change in the country, a process in the case of which hundreds of thousands, even millions had been enabled to look forward to a better life and a happier life.”
Veer Savarkas said “India has lost in Dr. Ambedkar a true great man.”
Dr Rajindra Prasad the President of India said “Ambedkar was the Architect of our Constitution and his services in various capacities, particularly for the upliftment of the depressed classes, could not be exaggerated.”
C. Rajagopalachari while describing personality of Dr Ambedkar said “- … -Ambedkar was a thoroughly upright person and a man with keen jurist sense, a proud and irreconcilable heart, a great learning and when approached in the right spirit, a full of friendliness. Such a one has found peace after life’s fit full work.”
T.T. Krishanamachari, a colleague of his in the Drafting Committee said “The House is perhaps aware that of the seven members nominated by you, one had reigned from the House and was never replaced. One had died and wasn’t replaced. One was away in America his place was not filled up, and another person was engaged in state affairs, and there was a void to that extent. One or two people were far away from Delhi and perhaps reasons of health did not permit them to attend. So it happened ultimately that the burden of drafting this Constitution fell upon Dr. Ambedkar and I have no doubt that we are grateful to him for having achieved this task in a manner which is undoubtedly commendable.”
K. R. Narayanan former President of India said “Dr. Ambedkar had faith in the Constitution that he helped to fashion for India. His visualised democracy as the Golden means.”
Sharad Pawar Former Chief Minister of Maharastra, said “Dr. Ambedkar and Constitution have become synonymous.”
To keep memories ever fresh of Dr.Ambedkar, in the minds of world a number of memorial buildings including a bust has been intalled at the London School of Economics and Politcal Science London and another bronze bust in Columbia University USA ( New York) ( In side Library Enterance Gate).
In the end I may quote from the saying of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s views on economic progress and a word of guidance / warning to his community and countrymen:-
The good things of this earth do not fall from heaven. Every progress has bill of costs and only those who pay for it will have that progress.
(Concluded)
