Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar (7 February 1897 – 27 May 1935; also known as Ramai or Mother Rama) was the first wife of B. R. Ambedkar, who said her support was instrumental in helping him pursue his higher education and his true potential. She has been the subject of a number of biographical movies and books. A number of landmarks across India have been named after her.
Born : 7 February 1897 (Vanand, Bombay Presidency, British India)
(Now in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India)
Died : 27 May 1935 (aged 38) Rajgruha house, Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
(Now Mumbai)
Other names : Ramai (Mother Rama), Ramu
Spouse : B. R. Ambedkar
Children : Yashwant Ambedkar
Early life :
Ramabai was born in a poor family to Bhiku Dhatre (Valangkar) and Rukmini. She lived with her three sisters and a brother, Shankar, in the Mahapura locality within the village of Vanand near. Her father earned his livelihood by carrying baskets of fish from Dabhol harbour to the market. Her mother died when she was young and, after her father also died, her uncles Valangkar and Govindpurkar took the children to Bombay to live with them in Byculla market.
Marriage :
Ramabai married Ambedkar in 1906 in a very simple ceremony in the vegetable market of Byculla, Mumbai. At the time, Ambedkar was aged 15 and Ramabai was nine. His affectionate name for her was "Rāmu", while she called him "Saheb". They had five children – Yashwant, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu (daughter) and Rajratna. Apart from Yashwant (1912–1977), the other four died in their childhood.
Credit by her husband :
B. R. Ambedkar's book Thoughts on Pakistan, published in 1941, was dedicated to Ramabai. In the preface, Ambedkar credits her with his transformation from an ordinary Bhiva or Bhima to Dr Ambedkar.
Books :
Ramai, by Yashwant Manohar
Tyagawanti Rama Mauli, by Nana Dhakulkar, Vijay Publications (Nagpur)
Priya Ramu, by Yogiraj Bagul, Granthali Publication
Compiler : Mr. Girish Darunte, Manmad