Tribute to Mata Ramabai Ambedkar on Her 127th Birth Anniversary
On the occasion of the 127th birth anniversary of Mata Ramabai Ambedkar, leaders and public organizations gathered at Ambedkar Junction in Aija to honor her sacrifices. The event highlighted her crucial role in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life and her unwavering support for his mission to uplift marginalized communities.
A Symbol of Motherhood and Sacrifice
Mata Ramabai Ambedkar is remembered as a true symbol of sacrifice. Despite having the chance to live a comfortable life, she chose to endure hardships for the cause of social justice. She even suffered the loss of her children but remained dedicated to her husband’s mission.
The event also pointed out how history often recognizes foreign figures like Jenny Marx but overlooks Indian women like Ramabai Ambedkar and Savitribai Phule. The gathering emphasized the need to acknowledge their contributions to society.
Early Life and Struggles
Ramabai was born on February 7, 1898, in Vanandi village, Maharashtra. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father struggled to raise his four children by selling fish. After his death, her uncle, who worked at a printing press, took care of her and her siblings.
In 1908, at just nine years old, Ramabai married Bhimrao Ambedkar in Mumbai. Their wedding took place in a humble setting, reflecting the poverty they faced. Like many from marginalized communities, they followed the custom of child marriage, which was common at the time.
A Family’s Struggles in Poverty
By 1924, Ramabai and Ambedkar had five children: Yashwant Rao, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu, and Rajaratna. Sadly, except for Yashwant Rao, all their children died due to malnutrition and illness caused by poverty.
Dr. Ambedkar later wrote about their hardships, recalling how he once considered taking a government job to support his family. However, he decided to continue fighting for the rights of millions of oppressed people, prioritizing their welfare over his personal difficulties.
One of the most painful moments in their lives was when their son Gangadhar passed away at just two-and-a-half years old. The family was so poor that they did not have a cloth to wrap his body. In her grief, Ramabai tore a piece from her own saree to cover him before his burial.
A Life of Support and Dedication
Despite facing extreme poverty, Ramabai never let hardships stop Ambedkar’s mission. She managed the household alone, often collecting and selling firewood and dung cakes to make ends meet. Even when Ambedkar’s friends offered financial help, she refused, choosing to endure their struggles with dignity.
When Ambedkar’s brother gave the family money to buy new clothes, Ramabai did not spend it on herself. Instead, she bought essential items for Ambedkar, such as dhotis, a mattress, a pillow, and a wooden stool for him to eat on. This act showed her deep love and selflessness.
Their youngest child, Rajaratna, was especially dear to her, but he too fell sick and passed away at just nine months old. Years of malnutrition and stress took a toll on Ramabai’s health, and she passed away on May 27, 1935, at just 38 years old.
Remembering Her Legacy
Mata Ramabai was a simple, uneducated woman, yet her patience, wisdom, and sacrifices played a crucial role in shaping Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. Despite enduring immense suffering, she remained committed to his educational and social struggles.
At the gathering in Aija, leaders and activists called for greater recognition of her contributions and those of other women who made sacrifices for India’s marginalized communities.
As tributes poured in, the event served as a reminder of Mata Ramabai’s legacy and the values of love, perseverance, and selflessness that she embodied.
