http://www.hindustantimes.com/Vedic-scholar-pens-Ambedkar-s-first-biography-in-Sanskrit/Article1-570156.aspx
Vedic scholar pens Ambedkar's first biography in Sanskrit
Press Trust Of India
Pune, July 10, 2010First Published: 10:14 IST(10/7/2010)
Last Updated: 10:20 IST(10/7/2010)
Battling a visual handicap, an 84-year-old Vedic scholar here has
composed the first ever biography of the architect of Indian
constitution and icon of the underprivileged Dr B R Ambedkar in
Sanskrit verse. The exceptional feat of Prabhakar Joshi, who lost his
sight completely while still working on the biography undertaken in
2004, stands as a testimony to his unflinching determination and will
power that saw recent publication of the book containing 1,577
Sanskrit 'Shlokas' covering the life span of Ambedkar unfolded in 160
pages with 21 'Sargas'.
A victim of glaucoma, Joshi who has an illustrious background as a
teacher of Sanskrit in schools and colleges, was immensely influenced
by Ambedkar's mission to uplift the downtrodden.
When he started studying Ambedkar's life, he came across certain facts
that inspired him to take up the unique project of his Sanskrit
biography titled " Bhimayanam".
"Not many people know that it was an ardent desire of Ramji, father of
Ambedkar, that his son should learn Sanskrit.
When Bhimrao opted for the subject after being enrolled in the
Elphinstone High School in Mumbai he was in for rude shock as the
teachers there refused to allow him to study Sanskrit because he was a
Dalit.
Imparting knowledge of Sanskrit to 'lower caste' students those days
was something to be frowned upon", Joshi told PTI.
After pondering over this episode, Joshi thought of an "atonement of
sorts" by way of versifying in Sanskrit, the life of Ambedkar whom he
reverently calls 'Mahamanav'.
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