Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was a national leader. It is grossly unfair to characterize him simply as a leader of Dalits. Ambedkar's erudition, mass movements, role in the Government and outside clearly demonstrate his broader vision of building a democratic Republic through creation of social equality and cultural integration in the age-old caste-ridden, inherently unjust and discriminating society. As a nationalist and valiant champion of human rights, his speeches reflect his life-long dedication to awaken the social conscience of modern India.