While India became independent on 15th August 1947, it became a Republic on 26th January 1950, with the adoption of a written Constitution which is governing the nation. Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, had the benefit of education at the Columbia University where he obtained a Ph.D. Prof. John Dewey inspired many of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas about equality and social justice. Prof. Edwin Seligman, himself a friend of Lala Lajpat Rai, the legendary fiery freedom fighter of India, became a mentor to the young Ambedkar.