Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s First Social Organization for the Oppressed
Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s First Social Organization for the Oppressed
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s life was dedicated to fighting against social injustice, caste discrimination, and inequality. To achieve these goals, he believed that organized social movements were necessary. His first step toward this vision was the establishment of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in 1924.
The Sabha marked the beginning of Ambedkar’s journey as a social reformer and leader of the marginalized. It became the foundation for all his future movements for equality, education, and empowerment.
Establishment of Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha
- Date of Establishment: 20 July 1924
- Place: Bombay (now Mumbai)
- Founder: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- Objective: To promote the social, economic, and educational development of the Bahishkrit (Depressed Classes / Untouchables).
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
Ambedkar realized that political freedom without social equality was meaningless. Thus, he created the Sabha as the first organized institution to fight for the rights of the oppressed communities.
Objectives of the Sabha
The Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha had clear and progressive objectives:
- Spread of Education:
- To establish schools, hostels, and libraries for the upliftment of the Depressed Classes.
- To encourage people from marginalized communities to pursue modern education.
- Social Awareness:
- To create awareness against untouchability, superstitions, and caste-based oppression.
- To encourage unity and self-respect among oppressed people.
- Economic Development:
- To promote vocational training and financial independence.
- To encourage entrepreneurship and skill-based work.
- Political Empowerment:
- To demand political representation for the Depressed Classes.
- To build leadership among marginalized communities.
Activities and Contributions
The Sabha worked actively for the welfare of the oppressed:
1. Educational Initiatives
- Ambedkar started schools and hostels under the Sabha’s guidance.
- Scholarships were arranged for students from Depressed Classes.
2. Publication Work
- The Sabha launched its official newspaper “Bahishkrit Bharat” in 1927, with Ambedkar as its editor.
- The newspaper became a powerful tool for spreading social awareness.
3. Public Meetings and Movements
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
- The Sabha organized public meetings to spread Ambedkar’s message of equality.
- It became the center of early movements against untouchability in Maharashtra.
4. Legal and Social Support
- Ambedkar used his legal knowledge to fight cases of injustice against Dalits.
- The Sabha supported victims of caste discrimination and provided them with guidance.
Importance of Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in Ambedkar’s Mission
The Sabha played a historic role in Ambedkar’s lifelong mission:
- It was the first formal organization to represent the grievances of the Depressed Classes.
- It laid the foundation for future organizations like the Samata Sainik Dal and the Independent Labour Party.
- It gave Ambedkar an organized platform to fight for education, equality, and social reform.
- The Sabha’s activities inspired oppressed communities to rise against centuries of exploitation.
Legacy of Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha
Although the Sabha was established almost a century ago, its legacy is still alive:
- Many schools, hostels, and libraries founded under the Sabha’s vision continue to function.
- The idea of education as the key to liberation became a guiding principle for Ambedkarites.
- The Sabha is remembered as the first organized movement for Dalit empowerment in modern India.
Dr. Ambedkar himself described education as the “milk of a lioness, whoever drinks it, will roar.” Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha was the first step to ensure that the oppressed could “roar” against inequality.
Conclusion
The Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, founded by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1924, was not just an organization—it was a revolution. It symbolized the oppressed communities’ determination to fight for education, equality, and dignity.
Through the Sabha, Ambedkar gave voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless. Its legacy continues to inspire millions who believe in the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, Ambedkar organizations, Ambedkar social reform, Bahishkrit Bharat, Ambedkar education movement, Ambedkar Dalit upliftment, Ambedkar social justice, Ambedkar first organization, Ambedkar 1924, Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha history
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
#BahishkritHitkariniSabha, #Ambedkar, #Babasaheb, #SocialJustice, #AmbedkarLegacy, #DalitHistory, #AmbedkariteMovement, #EqualityForAll, #EducationForAll, #BahishkritBharat
Note:
Jai Bhim! Namo Buddhay! Friends, welcome to Nagvanshingo. If you find any information on our page incorrect or if you would like to share any! additional! information! with us, please contact us at nagbbs50@gmail.com