Mind-Benders of Buddhist History
India's constitution-drafter founded a modern Buddhist movement
B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956), who chaired the drafting committee of independent India's constitution and served as its first Law Minister, publicly embraced Buddhism at a mass ceremony in Nagpur on 14 October 1956, launching the movement later known as Navayana. He died 53 days later, on 6 December 1956, and his book 'The Buddha and His Dhamma' was published posthumously the following year.
How we know
Ambedkar (b. 14 Apr 1891, d. 6 Dec 1956) converted to Buddhism at Nagpur (Deekshabhoomi) on 14 Oct 1956; 'The Buddha and His Dhamma' published posthumously 1957.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.