Book cover Babasaheb My life with Dr Ambedkar

Dr Savita Ambedkar, his second wife, showcases the towering figure in a new light. The readers get to see a romantic side of him also through their conversations and letters

More often than not we see the second wives of major public personalities undergoing tribulations of different nature. They are looked upon as witches/devils by their followers. Dr Savita Ambedkar’s also faces the same fate. After the death of Dr Ambedkar she was severely ostracized by the followers of Ambedkar, malicious rumours were spread about her. An autobiography like ‘Bahasaheb My Life With Ambedkar’ translated in English by Nadeem Khan is a very important book in this context.

Dr Savita Ambedkar’s autobiography was first published in Marathi in 1990 and only after three decades it finally got translated into English. From what I gather from the forewords this huge gap shows the immense resentment that Ambedkar’s followers had for Savita (probably due to her savarna caste?) and the fear of publishers to attempt a translation. Why do followers who idolise a great man find it difficult to accept his second wife and her role in his life? It is not just about Savita, there are other women too.

Ambedkar’s efforts to uplift the Dalit community and his fight against injustice is something that most people are aware of, but what makes this book special is that we see Ambedkar as a husband, a companion through the eyes of Dr Savita. A different shade of Ambedkar beyond his intellectual contributions comes strongly through her words.

A very important part of the book is their numerous private conversations and also the exchange of letters between them. These letters and conservations bring out Dr Ambedkar’s romantic side, how caring he was and the happy relationship they had. A particular mention must be made of the part related to sex. When Dr Ambedkar comes to know that Savita is not very keen on physical intimacy he jokes with her that his old age will be an advantage for her. He further says although he has sexual urges he will not force her to get intimate.

This part shows how respectful Dr Ambedkar was towards Savita and women in general. Special mention must also be made of the chapters where Savita talks about the different characteristics of her husband whether it is love for music, interest in arts, affection towards dogs and his ability in cooking some delicious food.

All these chapters make for a pleasant read as we get to see Dr Ambedkar as a normal human being too. His relationship with Savita happened during an extremely critical period of Indian history. Ambedkar was hugely engrossed in drafting India’s constitution working extremely hard in making sure that everything went right.

Because of old age Ambedkar was having certain health issues and Savita being in the medical profession proved to be very useful as she could take proper care of him. Also her ideals were the same as his, therefore intellectually too, according to the book, it was a satisfying marriage.

Whether one likes Savita or not the book must be read to know Ambedkar’s personal life as they are crucial years of his life and also his last years.