Bheemrao took admission in Elphinston College on 3rd January, 1908.
The college was relatively a good experience for Bheemrao. Being a government college of a premier city untouchability was almost invisible. More so because the teachers were educated Indians or foreigners. And the students came from rich and upper class families of liberal outlook. So the students, too had less caste oriented mindset. Bheemrao could breathe easy.
He was good in English and Persian languages. The teachers of these subjects were especially kind to Bheemrao and indulged him with friendly treatment. The English professor, Mr. Muller would not mind lending Bheemrao even his clothes to wear. The college had several other famed teachers and scholars who were ever ready to help the students.
Inspite of the guidance of such good teachers Bheemrao failed to excel in studies. He just kept passing the annual exams securing minimum pass marks. In 1912 Bheemrao Ambedkar graduated in third division by getting 280 marks out of 750.
But at personal level it was an achievement for a Mahar boy who became the first one to graduate from that community. Mahars celebrated the occasion and Bheemrao Ambedkar was felicitated in the presence of Guru Keluskar.
When Bheemrao Ambedkar received his B.A. Diploma, his father Ramjirao was not keeping well. He was bedridden. The financial condition of the family had become worse. Even in illness Ramjirao kept saying that Bheemrao should take admission for higher studies. The way he had provided financial support to his son’s education inspite of great monetary pressures was really a heroic effort.
But now Bheemrao decided not to put any more burden on his old and ailing father.
He went to the Bombay office of the Baroda king situated in the palace complex and applied for a job. The staff there was well aware that Bheemrao was king Sayajirao’s protege. He was given some tests and was medically examined. On advice from Baroda, Bheemrao was recruited as a Lieutenant in the army of Baroda state. He was asked to join duty immediately. He did. Bheemrao had spent just 15 days on duty when he received a telegram informing him that his father was seriously ill. He knew that his father was on death bed. How could he not be by the side of his father in his end time who had done so many sacrifices to educate him? He applied for casual leave which was rejected on the ground that a mere fifteen day old employee was not entitled to any leave. In sheer desperation he resigned and rushed to Bombay.
Shortly after Bheemrao’s arrival, Ramjirao, the retired Subedar finally retired from this world on 2nd February, 1913. With him died the childhood and the young years of Bheemrao to force him into the adulthood where he must shoulder the responsibility of keeping alive a joint family, an enormous task.
The situation was grim. He had lost his job and his father. No new job was in sight. He had no face to go back to Baroda where he had offended all officials by kicking away the job he was entrusted with. For the officials belonging to upper castes it was a nice excuse to shut off an untouchable upstart.
It was a frustrating period for young Ambedkar. Guru Keluskar understood the trauma Bheemrao was going through. He kept up his moral through pep talks. Bheemrao was making both ends meet by doing some odd jobs of tuitions or book keeping. There seemed to be no end to the tunnel of the hopeless situation.
Then, one day Guru Keluskar brought some good news. He informed that Baroda king Sayajirao was sending some promising students to U.S.A. for higher studies on scholarships. Guruji wanted him to apply for the scholarship.
But Bheemrao was reluctant because he had offended Baroda state by quitting the job of Lieutenant last time. How could he face in king?
Guruji said, “Bheemrao, the king is a very large hearted person. May be, he doesn’t even know about what happened with you last time. He is too big to mind such small incidents. I think you should not miss this chance.”
The chance was too good to be passed over. So, Bheemrao got over his reluctance and went to the king to make an appeal personally when the latter visited Bombay. Guruji accompanied him.
Sayajirao Gaekwad recognised Bheemrao. He asked, “How is your education going…”, trying to remember his name.
“Bheemrao Ambedkar,” Guruji filled in.
“Yes, yes, Bheemrao Ambedkar. You were studying in college. What are you studying?”
“Sir, I had to discontinue my studies after the graduation.” Then, in brief he narrated the entire sequence of events to the king.
The king said, “I am sorry to hear about your father’s death. So, now…?”
Guru Keluskar told the king that Bheemrao greatly wished to study abroad and wanted to avail of the king’s scholarship scheme.
The king thought for a while and looked hard at Bheemrao Ambedkar who was waiting with baited breath for his reaction on which the young man’s entire future depended.
Sayajirao spoke, “So, you are very keen to study abroad? Bheemrao, we will send you to America. Meet my Education Minister and complete the paper formalities.”
His wish granted, Bheemrao’s face became flushed with relief and joy. He thanked the king with moist eyes. A happy Guruji patted his back whispering, “See, what I told you? The king is a very generous person.”
Bheemrao Ambedkar had to go to Baroda to fill the forms and he had to sign a bond. According to bond Bheemrao pledged to serve Baroda state for atleast ten years after completion of the studies on the Baroda scholarship.
He returned home and made preparations for the departure without delay as he had already wasted some useful time.
Mahar community was very excited about one of them going to America for higher studies. Bheemrao had mixed feelings. He was excited and worried as well for his family. How would it survive in his absence? He promised his wife that he would send a part of the scholarship money to her regularly. Ramabai told him not to worry about the family and that she would manage somehow.
On 4th June, 1913 Bheemrao Ambedkar boarded a ship bound for New York. Five weeks later, on 12th July, 1913 he set his foot on the soil of U.S.A. where for the next three years Bheemrao would never hear those dreadful words ‘Hey! What is your caste?’
He had landed in New York.
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