The afterlife of Ambedkar narrated through stamps

Falah Faisal | NT

By now it is very well known that B.R. Ambedkar was the architect of the Indian Constitution, but this was not always the case. It wasn’t until 1966, on his 75th birth anniversary nearly 10 years after his death, the first commemorative stamp was issued by the Indian Postal service. He has since gone on to become one of the most noteworthy pan-Indian figures and has special covers, postcards and statues bearing his images.

It is the history of his rejuvenation that Vikas Kumar traces through his philatelic exhibition Baba Saheb at Bangalore International Center. “Ambedkar during his lifetime was looked up as a controversial figure for taking extreme positions on social and political issues. It was only 10 years after his death did he become the first non-upper caste personality to have his own stamp. He soon joined the rank of a select few who have two stamps when another one was released on 25th year of Independence,” says Vikas Kumar, Professor of Economics at Azim Premji University, as he guides people through the exhibition.

He has divided the exhibition into three phases: Phase I from 1966 to 91 where stamps of Ambedkar were only issued on his birthday, Phase II from 1992 to 2010 where stamps of Ambedkar we’re issued where he alongside the constitution and the first mention of the word Babasaheb occurs and lastly 2012 to present were numerous special covers have been issued which bring to light new, never before seen images.

“The most recent series of special covers celebrates the platinum jubilee of Ambedkar’s travels through coastal Andhra Pradesh, where each small town issued a special cover of his visit there. It is through these local commemorations that we learn new things about leaders we thought we knew,” says Kumar. He adds that even though philately might be a dying hobby in India, in 2017 when Ambedkar’s Deekshabhoomi stamp was released 25,000 people gathered in Nagpur for the event.

‘Extraordinary intellect’

After the exhibition Kumar is joined on stage by historian Ramachandra Guha who talks to the audience about Ambedkar’s life and how it was different from his legacy. “Ambedkar was a Dalit born to a Sepoy and really had to struggle to get to where he got, unlike Nehru who was born into privilege,” says Guha. “It is said that if the narrative of Nationalism according to the Congress is like the Ramayan with Gandhi as their Ram, Ambedkar was too intelligent and proud to play Sugriva,” adds Guha noting that Ambedkar formed his own party and often worked with the British to oppose Brahmin-Baniya raj.

“Ambedkar was a man of stubborn independence and extraordinary intellect, which is why it took them so long to issue the first stamp,” says Guha noting that his legacy was revived after numerous Ph.D thesis were written about him and the emergence of Dalit Panthers in the 1960s. “He was more than just the great emancipator for Dalits, he was an institution builder and 55 years after his death is the only true all-Indian figure. This exhibition helps us understand the role he played in the history of this Republic,” he adds.

The exhibition will continue at Bangalore International Center till July 6 and is open to the public.

What: Stamp exhibition on B R Ambedkar by Vikas Kumar
Where: Bangalore International Center
When: Till July 6, from 10am to 8pm
Entry: Open to public