Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Central India into the under-privileged Mahar caste. The Indian society, at that time was harsh towards his sect and regarded it "untouchable". His father, and grandfather Maloji, were in the British Army.

The Government required all Army personnel and their families to be educated and ran schools for this purpose. Thus the Sakpal family was fortunate to receive good education otherwise denied to them.  By sheer talent, courage, patience & a little help he brought himself

into limelight. While in school, Bhim's teacher Ambedkar, entered his last name into the school records as Ambedkar. Teacher Ambedkar and Pendse, were the only ones in the entire school who were kind and affectionate to young Bhim. Bhim passed his matriculation examination in 1907 from Elphinstone High School in Bombay. The Mahar community felicitated him

on his achievement. He joined the Elphinstone College for further education. After completing his Intermediate course, Bhim received a scholarship from the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayaji Rao, and attained a Bachelors in Arts in 1912. Sayaji Rao selected Bhim to be sent to America on a scholarship for higher studies. In return, Bhim Rao would have to serve the State of Baroda for ten years. Bhim Rao reached New York in July 1913. He put his heart into his studies and received a degree in Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1916 for his thesis "National Dividend forIndia: A Historical and Analytical Study." From America, Bhim Rao proceeded to London to study economics and political science. The Government of Baroda terminated his scholarship and recalled him to Baroda. Bhim Rao returned to Bombay in November 1917 and took a part time job in the Sydenham College with the sole aim of going to London to complete his studies.

With the help of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a sympathizer of the cause for the upliftment of the depressed classes, Bhim Rao started a fortnightly newspaper, the Mooknayak (Leader of the Dumb) on January 31, 1920. The Maharaj also convened many meeting and conferences of the "untouchables" which Bhim Rao addressed. In September 1920, after accumulating sufficient funds, Ambedkar returned to London to complete his studies. He emerged as a barrister & then moved on to become a lawmaker in later days.