<Tr> <Th> Awards </Th> <Td> Bharat Ratna (posthumously in 1990) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Signature </Th> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <P> Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891--6 December 1956), popularly known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards Untouchables (Dalits), while also supporting the rights of women and labour . He was Independent India's first law minister, the principal architect of the Constitution of India and a founding father of the Republic of India . </P> <P> Ambedkar was a prolific student, earning doctorates in economics from both Columbia University and the London School of Economics, and gained a reputation as a scholar for his research in law, economics and political science . 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 . </P>

Who is known as father of india constitution