Why was Babasaheb so determined to learn?

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Explain what dignity means in their own words.
• Describe one event from Babasaheb's childhood and how he responded to unfairness.
• Identify one example of how dignity and equality are protected in modern Britain.

When Bhimrao was a small boy in India, he loved reading more than anything. He would walk for hours just to find a new book. But because of an unfair rule called the caste system, his school did not want him to sit on the same bench as the other children.

On hot days, when the other children were given water from the school tap, Bhimrao was not allowed to drink. The school caretaker would not pour water into his cup. Bhimrao went home thirsty, but he never gave up on learning. He kept his head high, held his books tight, and promised himself: "I will study so well, that one day I will write the rules of this country, so no other child will ever feel this way."

And he did. When India became free, Bhimrao, now called Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar— was chosen to write India's Constitution. The very first words he made sure it said? That every child, of every group, is equal.

Dignity means the value every person has, simply because they are a person. You don't have to earn dignity. You don't have to be rich, fast, clever or older. You have dignity from the moment you are born.

Equality means treating everyone with the same care and giving them the same chances. It does not mean everyone is the same, we are all different!, it means nobody should be left out, looked down on, or refused something fair just because of who they are, where they were born, what their family does, or what they look like.

Britain has its own way of protecting dignity and equality. The law in this country says it is wrong to treat someone unfairly because of:

• their religion or beliefs
• their race or where they come from
• their gender
• any disability they have
• their age, or other parts of who they are

Schools are special places where dignity matters every single day. That is why school uniforms, pupil voice, anti-bullying rules, and the role of the School Council all exist — so every child is heard and respected.

A 25-minute group activity for pairs or table groups.

1. Listen. The teacher reads the story of Bhimrao again, slowly.
2. Discuss in pairs. One thing you think was unfair, and one way Bhimrao showed strength.
3. Write. On a sticky note, finish this sentence: "Everyone in our class deserves dignity because…"
4. Build. Together, place all sticky notes on a "Dignity Wall" at the front of the class.
5. Reflect. The class reads the wall together. What words appear most often?

Choose one question to answer in your journal, or talk about with a grown-up at home.

1. If you could change one rule at our school to make it kinder, what would it be?
2. Babasaheb said reading was his superpower. What is your superpower?
3. Tell someone at home about Babasaheb. What part of his story did you find the bravest?
4. Can you name one person at school who always treats others with dignity? Why them?
5. Stretch: The Buddha and Babasaheb both believed in compassion, noticing when someone is hurting and wanting to help. When did you last show compassion?