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{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| pre-nominals | | pre-nominals = | ||
| name | | name = Savita Ambedkar | ||
| | | honorific_suffix = [[MBBS]] | ||
| image | | image = Dr. Savita Ambedkar.jpg | ||
| image_upright | | image_upright = | ||
| alt | | alt = | ||
| caption | | caption = Dr Savita Ambedkar | ||
| pronunciation | | pronunciation = | ||
| birth_name | | birth_name = Sharada Krishnarao Kabir | ||
| birth_date | | birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1909|01|27}} | ||
| birth_place | | birth_place = [[Dadar]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]] <br/ > (now in [[Maharashtra]], India) | ||
| baptised | | baptised = <!-- will not display if birth_date is entered --> | ||
| disappeared_date | | disappeared_date = <!-- {{disappeared date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (disappeared date then birth date) --> | ||
| disappeared_place | | disappeared_place = | ||
| disappeared_status | | disappeared_status = | ||
| death_date | | death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2003|05|29|1909|01|27}} | ||
| death_place | | death_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India | ||
| death_cause | | death_cause = | ||
| body_discovered | | body_discovered = | ||
| resting_place | | resting_place = | ||
| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} --> | | resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} --> | ||
| burial_place | | burial_place = <!-- may be used instead of resting_place and resting_place_coordinates (displays "Burial place" as label) --> | ||
| burial_coordinates | | burial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} --> | ||
| monuments | | monuments = | ||
| other_names = Mai (''mother''), Maisaheb Ambedkar | |||
| other_names | | citizenship = | ||
| citizenship | | education = | ||
| education | | alma_mater = [[Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals|Grant Medical College, Mumbai]] | ||
| alma_mater | | occupation = social activist, doctor | ||
| occupation | | years_active = | ||
| years_active | | era = | ||
| era | | employer = | ||
| employer | | agent = <!-- Discouraged in most cases, specifically when promotional, and requiring a reliable source --> | ||
| agent | | known_for = Social activism | ||
| known_for | | notable_works = ''Dr. Ambedkaranchya Sahawasat'' | ||
| notable_works | | style = | ||
| style | | height = <!-- "X cm", "X m" or "X ft Y in" plus optional reference (conversions are automatic) --> | ||
| height | | television = | ||
| television | | title = <!-- Formal/awarded/job title. The parameter |office= may be used as an alternative when the label is better rendered as "Office" (e.g. public office or appointments) --> | ||
| title | | term = | ||
| term | | predecessor = | ||
| predecessor | | successor = | ||
| successor | | party = | ||
| party | | movement = [[Dalit Buddhist movement]] | ||
| movement | | opponents = | ||
| opponents | | boards = | ||
| boards | | criminal_charge = <!-- Criminality parameters should be supported with citations from reliable sources --> | ||
| criminal_charge | | criminal_penalty = | ||
| criminal_penalty | | criminal_status = | ||
| criminal_status | | spouse = {{marriage|[[B. R. Ambedkar]]|1948|1956|end=d.}} | ||
| spouse | | partner = | ||
| partner | | children = | ||
| children | | parents = | ||
| parents | | mother = | ||
| mother | | father = | ||
| father | | relatives = [[Ambedkar family]] | ||
| relatives | | family = | ||
| family | | callsign = | ||
| callsign | | awards = | ||
| awards | | website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} --> | ||
| website | | module = | ||
| module | | module2 = | ||
| module2 | | module3 = | ||
| module3 | | module4 = | ||
| module4 | | module5 = | ||
| module5 | | module6 = | ||
| module6 | | signature = | ||
| signature | | signature_size = | ||
| signature_size | | signature_alt = | ||
| signature_alt | | footnotes = | ||
| footnotes | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Savita | '''Savita Ambedkar''' ({{nee}} '''Kabir'''; 27 January 1909 – 29 May 2003) was an Indian [[physician]], and [[Activism|social activist]]. In 1948, she married [[B. R. Ambedkar]], the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the [[Constitution of India]] and [[Dalit]] icon. In 1956, both Savita and Bhimrao converted from [[Hinduism]] to [[Buddhism]]. | ||
Savita Ambedkar helped her husband by caring for his health. B. R. Ambedkar credited her for this in the preface of his book ''[[The Buddha and His Dhamma]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1956|first=B. R.|last=Ambedkar|title=Unpublished Preface|url=http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00ambedkar/ambedkar_buddha/00_pref_unpub.html|access-date=28 September 2025|quote=[During the writing of this book] there were many ups and downs in my health. At some stages my condition had become so critical that doctors talked of me as a dying flame. The successful rekindling of this dying flame is due to the medical skill of my wife and Dr. Malvankar. They alone have helped me to complete the work.}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.loksatta.com/lekha-news/the-buddha-and-his-dhamma-dr-b-r-ambedkar-1594868/|title=उपोद्घाताची कथा..|date=3 December 2017|work=Loksatta|access-date=13 November 2018|language=mr-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-expresses-grief-over-death-of-savita-ambedkar/articleshow/47857884.cms|title=PM expresses grief over death of Savita Ambedkar|work=The Times of India|access-date=13 November 2018|language=en}}</ref> [[Ramabai Ambedkar]], B. R. Ambedkar's first wife had died in 1935. | |||
==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Ambedkar was born Sharada Krishnarao Kabir on 27 January 1909 in [[Bombay]] in a [[Saraswat Brahmin]] family.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Keer |first=Dhananjay |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B-2d6jzRmBQC&pg=PA394 |title=Dr. Ambedkar: life and mission |publisher=Popular Prakashan |year=2005 |isbn=81-7154-237-9 |location=Mumbai |pages=403–404 |access-date=13 June 2012 |orig-date=1954}}</ref><ref name="l236">{{cite news| last=Vinod | first=Nibandh | title=Savita Ambedkar Birth Anniversary: 10 Things You Must Know About Dr BR Ambedkar's Second Wife | work=News18 | date=27 January 2024 | url=https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/savita-ambedkar-birth-anniversary-10-things-you-must-know-about-dr-br-ambedkars-second-wife-8755765.html | access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref> Her mother's name was Janaki and her father's name was Krishnarao Vinayak Kabir. Her family hailed from the Dorle village, located in [[Ratnagiri taluka|Ratnagiri Tehasil]] of [[Ratnagiri district]], [[Maharashtra]]. Later, her father migrated from Ratnagiri to [[Bombay]]. On the Sir Rao Bahadur S. K. Bole Road, near the "Kabootarkhana" (pigeon house) in [[Dadar]] West, the Kabir family had rented a house in Sahru's house in Matruchaya.<ref name="Patrika">{{cite news |last1=Verma |first1=Lokesh |title=जानिये, बाबा साहेब अंबेडकर के दूसरे विवाह पर क्यों फैली थी नाराजगी |url=https://www.patrika.com/noida-news/why-there-was-anger-over-baba-saheb-dr-bhimrao-ambedkar-s-second-marriage-news-in-hindi-1553264/ |access-date=15 April 2019 |work=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |language=hi}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.forwardpress.in/2018/06/dr-savita-bhimrao-ambedkar-jinake-lie-ambedkar-se-mahatvpurn-kuchh-bhi-n-tha/|title=डॉ. सविता भीमराव आंबेडकर, जिनके लिए आंबेडकर से महत्वपूर्ण कुछ भी न था|date=21 June 2018|work=फॉरवर्ड प्रेस|access-date=13 November 2018|language=hi-IN}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/b-r-ambedkars-widow-passes-away/articleshow/47838403.cms|title=B R Ambedkar's widow passes away |last=PTI|work=The Times of India|access-date=13 November 2018 |date=May 29, 2003}}</ref> | |||
Savita | Savita's early education was in [[Pune]]. In 1937, she completed her [[MBBS]] degree from [[Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals|Grant Medical College]], Bombay. When her studies were completed, she was appointed as a first-class medical officer in a hospital in [[Gujarat]]. However, after some months of illness, she left her job and returned home. Six of her eight siblings had [[inter-caste marriage]]s. At that time, it was against the societal norms of India. Savita said, "Our family did not oppose inter-caste marriages, because the whole family was educated and progressive."{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=17}}<ref name="Patrika"/> | ||
==Career and meeting with Ambedkar == | ==Career and meeting with Ambedkar == | ||
[[File:Maisaheb and Babasaheb.jpg|thumb|Maisaheb and Babasaheb]] | [[File:Maisaheb and Babasaheb.jpg|thumb|Maisaheb and Babasaheb]] | ||
Sharada Kabir was introduced to B. R. Ambedkar through S. M. Rao, a doctor who lived in Bombay's [[Vile Parle]] and had close links with B. R. Ambedkar. B.R. Ambedkar was then the [[Minister of Labour|Labor Minister]] in the [[Viceroy's Executive Council]]. They talked about the empowerment of women and Buddhist philosophy.<ref name="auto1"/>{{sfn|Sukhadeve|pp=17–18}} | |||
They would meet again in the consultation room of Dr. Mavalankar. In 1947, the work of writing the [[Indian Constitution]] had taken a toll on Dr. Ambedkar's health. He was diagnosed with [[diabetes]] and high [[blood pressure]]. While he was under medical treatment, Sharada and Ambedkar wrote to each other. They were both interested in literature, society and religion. Because of his deteriorating health, Ambedkar was advised to employ a carer. In a letter addressed to [[Bhaurao Gaikwad]] dated 16 March 1948, Ambedkar wrote that he feared hiring a female nurse might cause a scandal. After the death of Yashwant's mother ''(Ramabai)'', he had decided not to marry. His health led him to change his mind.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|url=https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/article/EDT-babasaheb-ambedkar-column-2481860.html|title=डॉ. आंबेडकरांचा बौद्ध धम्म|work=divyamarathi|access-date=13 November 2018|language=mr}}</ref>{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=19}} | |||
==Marriage== | ==Marriage== | ||
[[File:Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with wife Dr. Savita Ambedkar in 1948.jpg|thumb|right|B.R. | [[File:Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with wife Dr. Savita Ambedkar in 1948.jpg|thumb|right|Savita and B.R. Ambedkar in 1948]] | ||
On 15 April 1948 Sharda Kabir married | On 15 April 1948 Sharda Kabir married Ambedkar, as a Civil Marriage. She was 39 and he was 57. After their marriage, she was called "Mai" (mother) by his followers. After marriage Sharda adopted the name 'Savita', but Ambedkar used to call her "Shārū", a form of "Shāradā".<ref name="patrika">{{Cite news|trans-title=Know why there was anger over Babasaheb Ambedkar's second marriage|url=https://www.patrika.com/news/noida/why-there-was-anger-over-baba-saheb-dr-bhimrao-ambedkar-s-second-marriage-news-in-hindi-1553264/|title=जानिये, बाबा साहेब अंबेडकर के दूसरे विवाह पर क्यों फैली थी नाराजगी|work=Patrika Hindi News|access-date=13 November 2018|language=hi-IN}}</ref>{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=30}} Some of the public and Ambedkar's family were angry about the marriage.<ref name="patrika"/> | ||
After marriage, | After marriage, Ambedkar's health continued to get worse. Savita Ambedkar continued looking after him until his death. Ambedkar mentioned the help he received from her in ''[[The Buddha and His Dhamma]]''. In this preface, he says that Savita Ambedkar increased his life by 8–10 years. After Ambedkar's death, his associates and followers removed this passage. The Bengali Buddhist author [[Bhagwan Das]] published the preface as a "rare preface".{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=33}} | ||
==Conversion to Buddhism== | ==Conversion to Buddhism== | ||
{{see also|Dalit Buddhist movement|Navayana}} | {{see also|Dalit Buddhist movement|Navayana}} | ||
[[File:Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with his second wife Dr Savita Ambedkar, holding a statue of the Buddha, during the Dhamma Diksha ceremony in Nagpur. October 14, 1956.jpg|thumb| | [[File:Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with his second wife Dr Savita Ambedkar, holding a statue of the Buddha, during the Dhamma Diksha ceremony in Nagpur. October 14, 1956.jpg|thumb|Ambedkar with his wife, holding a statue of the Buddha, during the Dhamma Diksha ceremony in Nagpur on 14 October 1956]] | ||
[[File:Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar accepting Dhamma Deeksha - Buddhism from Mahasthavir Chandramani along with Wali Sinha, Rewaramji Kawade and wife Maisaheb on October 14, 1956.jpg|thumb|Ambedkar receiving the [[Five Precepts]] from Mahasthavir Chandramani on 14 October 1956. In the photograph (from right to left): Savita Ambedkar, B. R. Ambedkar, Wali Sinha and | [[File:Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar accepting Dhamma Deeksha - Buddhism from Mahasthavir Chandramani along with Wali Sinha, Rewaramji Kawade and wife Maisaheb on October 14, 1956.jpg|thumb|Ambedkar receiving the [[Five Precepts]] from Mahasthavir Chandramani on 14 October 1956. In the photograph (from right to left): Savita Ambedkar, B. R. Ambedkar, Wali Sinha and Bhikkhu Chandramani.]] | ||
On [[Dhammachakra Pravartan Day|Ashok Vijaya Dashami]] | On [[Dhammachakra Pravartan Day|Ashok Vijaya Dashami]] (the day on which Buddhism was accepted by Emperor [[Ashoka the Great]]), 14 October 1956, Ambedkar accepted [[Buddhism]] along with her husband in [[Deekshabhoomi]], [[Nagpur]]. She was given the initiation of Buddha's Dhamma by the Burmese [[Bhikkhu]] Mahastavir Chandramani giving [[Refuge (Buddhism)|Three Jewels]] and [[Five precepts]]. After this, B. R. Ambedkar himself initiated Buddhism by giving 500,000 followers of Three Jewels, Five precepts and twenty-two pledges.{{clarify|date=September 2025}} Ambedkar became the first woman to accept Buddhism in this conversion movement.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto"/> | ||
==Allegations and contradictions == | ==Allegations and contradictions == | ||
Many | Many people from Delhi came to meet B. R. Ambedkar at 26 Alipur Road, where the couple lived. Only a few managed to see him during his sickness. Savita Ambedkar had dual obligations while taking care of him, in addition to being a doctor.{{clarify|reason=what obligations?|date=September 2025}}{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=57}} | ||
After the death of Babasaheb Ambedkar in December 1956, some Ambedkarites blamed Savita Ambedkar for killing him. They separated her from the Ambedkarite movement by describing her as a Brahmin. She | After the death of Babasaheb Ambedkar in December 1956, some [[Ambedkarism|Ambedkarites]] blamed Savita Ambedkar for killing him. They separated her from the Ambedkarite movement by describing her as a [[Brahmin]]. She moved to his farmhouse in Mehrauli in Delhi, and remained in Delhi until 1972. The then Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] formed a committee to investigate the matter, and that committee released her from the charges after investigation.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loksatta.com/lekha-news/the-buddha-and-his-dhamma-dr-b-r-ambedkar-1594868/|title=उपोद्घाताची कथा..|date=3 December 2017|website=Loksatta.com|access-date=13 November 2018}}</ref> | ||
== Repatriation with the Dalit movement == | == Repatriation with the Dalit movement == | ||
[[File:Arun Kamble 2.JPG|thumb|right|Ambedkar with [[Arun Kamble]], ]] | [[File:Arun Kamble 2.JPG|thumb|right|Ambedkar with [[Arun Kamble]], ]] | ||
[[Republican Party of India]] leader [[Ramdas Athavale]] and [[Gangadhar Gade]] brought her back to the mainstream Ambedkarite movement. The young activists of [[Dalit Panthers]] movement treated | [[Republican Party of India]] leader [[Ramdas Athavale]] and [[Gangadhar Gade]] brought her back to the mainstream Ambedkarite movement. The young activists of [[Dalit Panthers]] movement treated Savita Ambedkar with respect and called her Mai, "mother". She played an important role in the controversy about Ambedkar's book ''[[Riddles in Hinduism]]''.{{clarify|reason=this is not covered in the linked article about the book|date=September 2025}} This earned her respect and resolved the misunderstanding of Dalits.<ref name=Sanchar>{{Cite news|title=Maisahebanche Aswattha Jeevan|date=15 April 2018|work=Sanchar - Indradhanoo (p. 5)}}</ref> Later on, she was separated from him{{who|date=September 2025}} as she grew older. | ||
Babasaheb Ambedkar was given the '[[Bharat Ratna]]', the highest civilian award, and it was accepted by Savita Ambedkar from the then President [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman]] on 14 April 1990, the centenary of his birth.{{sfn|Sukhadeve|p=50}} | |||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
Savita Ambedkar | Savita Ambedkar lived alone after her husband's death. Later on, she joined the [[Dalit Buddhist movement]]. She died on 29 May 2003 at the age of 94 at [[Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals|J.J. Hospital]] in Mumbai.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/05/30/stories/2003053002081300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017053455/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/05/30/stories/2003053002081300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2015|title=President, PM condole Savita Ambedkar's death|access-date=13 November 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 May 2003}}</ref><ref name="auto4"/> | ||
== Writings == | == Writings == | ||
She wrote | She wrote an autobiography in Marathi, titled "Dr. Ambedkaranchya Sahwasat" (English: ''In companionship with Dr. Ambedkar''). She also contributed to the film ''[[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (film)|Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar]]'', and was played in it by [[Mrinal Kulkarni]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/MAH-MAR-AUR-rare-things-about-dr-5297519-PHO.html|title=बाबासाहेब कोलकात्याहून विमानाने मागवत मासळीचे पार्सल, हे मांसाहारी पदार्थ आवडायचे|work=divyamarathi|access-date=13 November 2018|language=mr}}</ref> | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 151: | Line 128: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
===Sources=== | |||
* {{cite book |last=Sukhadeve |first=P. V. |title=Maaisahebanche Agnidivya |language=mr |publisher=Kaushalya Prakashan}} | |||
== Further reading == | |||
<!--Ordered by author last name OR title--> | |||
* {{cite book |title=Glory of the Sun. Dr. Maisaheb Ambedkar |first=Valmika Elinje- Ahire |last=Ahire |year=2021 |asin-tld=in |asin=B09P3Q6MXH}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Dr. Maaisahab Ambedkar kai Sang |trans-title=With Dr. Maisaheb Ambedkar |first=Vaishali |last=Bhalerao |asin-tld=in |asin=B0994KZRKX}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Maisaheb: Charitra ani Karya |trans-title=Maisaheb: Biography and Work}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Mahamanvachi Sanjivani |trans-title=[[Sanjeevani (plant)|Sanjeevani]] of the Great Man}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Babasahebanchi Sawali: Dr. Savita Ambedkar (Maisaheb) |trans-title=Babasaheb's shadow: Dr. Savita Ambedkar (Maisaheb) |first= Kirtilata Rambhau |last=Petkar |year=2016}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Great Self-Sacrifice of Maisaheb Ambedkar |first=P. V. |last=Sukhadeve |asin-tld=in |asin=B094YK9HVN |year=2014}} | |||
* {{cite book |title=Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkaranchya Sawlicha Sangharsh |trans-title=The struggle of the shadow of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar |first=Vijay |last=Sukhdeve}} | |||
== External links== | == External links== | ||
| Line 156: | Line 146: | ||
* [http://velivada.com/2017/05/13/meet-vijay-surwade-living-encyclopedia-ambedkarism/ Vijay Surwade — living encyclopedia of Ambedkarism] | * [http://velivada.com/2017/05/13/meet-vijay-surwade-living-encyclopedia-ambedkarism/ Vijay Surwade — living encyclopedia of Ambedkarism] | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
| Line 163: | Line 152: | ||
[[Category:1909 births]] | [[Category:1909 births]] | ||
[[Category:2003 deaths]] | [[Category:2003 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century Indian | [[Category:20th-century Indian Buddhists]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century Indian | [[Category:20th-century Indian medical doctors]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:20th-century Indian women medical doctors]] | ||
[[Category:21st-century Indian | [[Category:21st-century Indian Buddhists]] | ||
[[Category:Activists from Mumbai]] | |||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category:Ambedkar family|Savita]] | [[Category:Ambedkar family|Savita]] | ||
[[Category:Buddhist activists]] | [[Category:Buddhist activists]] | ||
[[Category:Converts to Buddhism from Hinduism]] | [[Category:Converts to Buddhism from Hinduism]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Marathi-language writers]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Medical doctors from Mumbai]] | ||
[[Category:People from | [[Category:Navayana Buddhists]] | ||
[[Category:People from Ratnagiri district]] | |||
[[Category:Spouses of Indian politicians]] | |||
[[Category:Women from Maharashtra]] | |||
Latest revision as of 12:44, 11 February 2026
Savita Ambedkar | |
|---|---|
 Dr Savita Ambedkar | |
| Born | Sharada Krishnarao Kabir 27 January 1909 |
| Died | 29 May 2003 (aged 94) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Other names | Mai (mother), Maisaheb Ambedkar |
| Alma mater | Grant Medical College, Mumbai |
| Occupation | social activist, doctor |
| Known for | Social activism |
Notable work | Dr. Ambedkaranchya Sahawasat |
| Movement | Dalit Buddhist movement |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Relatives | Ambedkar family |
Savita Ambedkar (née Kabir; 27 January 1909 – 29 May 2003) was an Indian physician, and social activist. In 1948, she married B. R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India and Dalit icon. In 1956, both Savita and Bhimrao converted from Hinduism to Buddhism.
Savita Ambedkar helped her husband by caring for his health. B. R. Ambedkar credited her for this in the preface of his book The Buddha and His Dhamma.[1][2][3] Ramabai Ambedkar, B. R. Ambedkar's first wife had died in 1935.
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Ambedkar was born Sharada Krishnarao Kabir on 27 January 1909 in Bombay in a Saraswat Brahmin family.[4][5] Her mother's name was Janaki and her father's name was Krishnarao Vinayak Kabir. Her family hailed from the Dorle village, located in Ratnagiri Tehasil of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Later, her father migrated from Ratnagiri to Bombay. On the Sir Rao Bahadur S. K. Bole Road, near the "Kabootarkhana" (pigeon house) in Dadar West, the Kabir family had rented a house in Sahru's house in Matruchaya.[6][7][8]
Savita's early education was in Pune. In 1937, she completed her MBBS degree from Grant Medical College, Bombay. When her studies were completed, she was appointed as a first-class medical officer in a hospital in Gujarat. However, after some months of illness, she left her job and returned home. Six of her eight siblings had inter-caste marriages. At that time, it was against the societal norms of India. Savita said, "Our family did not oppose inter-caste marriages, because the whole family was educated and progressive."[9][6]
Career and meeting with Ambedkar[edit | edit source]
Sharada Kabir was introduced to B. R. Ambedkar through S. M. Rao, a doctor who lived in Bombay's Vile Parle and had close links with B. R. Ambedkar. B.R. Ambedkar was then the Labor Minister in the Viceroy's Executive Council. They talked about the empowerment of women and Buddhist philosophy.[7][10]
They would meet again in the consultation room of Dr. Mavalankar. In 1947, the work of writing the Indian Constitution had taken a toll on Dr. Ambedkar's health. He was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. While he was under medical treatment, Sharada and Ambedkar wrote to each other. They were both interested in literature, society and religion. Because of his deteriorating health, Ambedkar was advised to employ a carer. In a letter addressed to Bhaurao Gaikwad dated 16 March 1948, Ambedkar wrote that he feared hiring a female nurse might cause a scandal. After the death of Yashwant's mother (Ramabai), he had decided not to marry. His health led him to change his mind.[11][12]
Marriage[edit | edit source]
On 15 April 1948 Sharda Kabir married Ambedkar, as a Civil Marriage. She was 39 and he was 57. After their marriage, she was called "Mai" (mother) by his followers. After marriage Sharda adopted the name 'Savita', but Ambedkar used to call her "Shārū", a form of "Shāradā".[13][14] Some of the public and Ambedkar's family were angry about the marriage.[13]
After marriage, Ambedkar's health continued to get worse. Savita Ambedkar continued looking after him until his death. Ambedkar mentioned the help he received from her in The Buddha and His Dhamma. In this preface, he says that Savita Ambedkar increased his life by 8–10 years. After Ambedkar's death, his associates and followers removed this passage. The Bengali Buddhist author Bhagwan Das published the preface as a "rare preface".[15]
Conversion to Buddhism[edit | edit source]
On Ashok Vijaya Dashami (the day on which Buddhism was accepted by Emperor Ashoka the Great), 14 October 1956, Ambedkar accepted Buddhism along with her husband in Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. She was given the initiation of Buddha's Dhamma by the Burmese Bhikkhu Mahastavir Chandramani giving Three Jewels and Five precepts. After this, B. R. Ambedkar himself initiated Buddhism by giving 500,000 followers of Three Jewels, Five precepts and twenty-two pledges.[clarification needed] Ambedkar became the first woman to accept Buddhism in this conversion movement.[11][2]
Allegations and contradictions[edit | edit source]
Many people from Delhi came to meet B. R. Ambedkar at 26 Alipur Road, where the couple lived. Only a few managed to see him during his sickness. Savita Ambedkar had dual obligations while taking care of him, in addition to being a doctor.[clarification needed][16]
After the death of Babasaheb Ambedkar in December 1956, some Ambedkarites blamed Savita Ambedkar for killing him. They separated her from the Ambedkarite movement by describing her as a Brahmin. She moved to his farmhouse in Mehrauli in Delhi, and remained in Delhi until 1972. The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru formed a committee to investigate the matter, and that committee released her from the charges after investigation.[7][17]
Repatriation with the Dalit movement[edit | edit source]
Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athavale and Gangadhar Gade brought her back to the mainstream Ambedkarite movement. The young activists of Dalit Panthers movement treated Savita Ambedkar with respect and called her Mai, "mother". She played an important role in the controversy about Ambedkar's book Riddles in Hinduism.[clarification needed] This earned her respect and resolved the misunderstanding of Dalits.[18] Later on, she was separated from him[who?] as she grew older.
Babasaheb Ambedkar was given the 'Bharat Ratna', the highest civilian award, and it was accepted by Savita Ambedkar from the then President Ramaswamy Venkataraman on 14 April 1990, the centenary of his birth.[19]
Death[edit | edit source]
Savita Ambedkar lived alone after her husband's death. Later on, she joined the Dalit Buddhist movement. She died on 29 May 2003 at the age of 94 at J.J. Hospital in Mumbai.[20][8]
Writings[edit | edit source]
She wrote an autobiography in Marathi, titled "Dr. Ambedkaranchya Sahwasat" (English: In companionship with Dr. Ambedkar). She also contributed to the film Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and was played in it by Mrinal Kulkarni.[21]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Ambedkar, B. R. (1956). "Unpublished Preface". Retrieved 28 September 2025.
[During the writing of this book] there were many ups and downs in my health. At some stages my condition had become so critical that doctors talked of me as a dying flame. The successful rekindling of this dying flame is due to the medical skill of my wife and Dr. Malvankar. They alone have helped me to complete the work.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "उपोद्घाताची कथा." Loksatta (in मराठी). 3 December 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ "PM expresses grief over death of Savita Ambedkar". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ Keer, Dhananjay (2005) [1954]. Dr. Ambedkar: life and mission. Mumbai: Popular Prakashan. pp. 403–404. ISBN 81-7154-237-9. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
- ↑ Vinod, Nibandh (27 January 2024). "Savita Ambedkar Birth Anniversary: 10 Things You Must Know About Dr BR Ambedkar's Second Wife". News18. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Verma, Lokesh. "जानिये, बाबा साहेब अंबेडकर के दूसरे विवाह पर क्यों फैली थी नाराजगी". Rajasthan Patrika (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 15 April 2019.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "डॉ. सविता भीमराव आंबेडकर, जिनके लिए आंबेडकर से महत्वपूर्ण कुछ भी न था". फॉरवर्ड प्रेस (in हिन्दी). 21 June 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 PTI (29 May 2003). "B R Ambedkar's widow passes away". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 17.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, pp. 17–18.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "डॉ. आंबेडकरांचा बौद्ध धम्म". divyamarathi (in मराठी). Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 19.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "जानिये, बाबा साहेब अंबेडकर के दूसरे विवाह पर क्यों फैली थी नाराजगी" [Know why there was anger over Babasaheb Ambedkar's second marriage]. Patrika Hindi News (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 30.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 33.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 57.
- ↑ "उपोद्घाताची कथा." Loksatta.com. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ "Maisahebanche Aswattha Jeevan". Sanchar - Indradhanoo (p. 5). 15 April 2018.
- ↑ Sukhadeve, p. 50.
- ↑ "President, PM condole Savita Ambedkar's death". The Hindu. 30 May 2003. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
- ↑ "बाबासाहेब कोलकात्याहून विमानाने मागवत मासळीचे पार्सल, हे मांसाहारी पदार्थ आवडायचे". divyamarathi (in मराठी). Retrieved 13 November 2018.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Sukhadeve, P. V. Maaisahebanche Agnidivya (in मराठी). Kaushalya Prakashan.
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Ahire, Valmika Elinje- Ahire (2021). Glory of the Sun. Dr. Maisaheb Ambedkar. ASIN B09P3Q6MXH.
- Bhalerao, Vaishali. Dr. Maaisahab Ambedkar kai Sang [With Dr. Maisaheb Ambedkar]. ASIN B0994KZRKX.
- Maisaheb: Charitra ani Karya [Maisaheb: Biography and Work].
- Mahamanvachi Sanjivani [Sanjeevani of the Great Man].
- Petkar, Kirtilata Rambhau (2016). Babasahebanchi Sawali: Dr. Savita Ambedkar (Maisaheb) [Babasaheb's shadow: Dr. Savita Ambedkar (Maisaheb)].
- Sukhadeve, P. V. (2014). Great Self-Sacrifice of Maisaheb Ambedkar. ASIN B094YK9HVN.
- Sukhdeve, Vijay. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkaranchya Sawlicha Sangharsh [The struggle of the shadow of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar].