Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar (7 February 1898 – 27 May 1935) was the strong and supportive woman behind Ambedkar’s success. She was the first wife of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar and her support was instrumental in helping him pursue his higher education and true potential. Due to her humility and compassion, she is affectionately remembered as Ramai or Mother Rama.
In dedication to Ramabai, B.R. Ambedkar wrote a book named Thoughts on Pakistan, published in 1941. In the preface of this book, Ambedkar even credits her with his transformation from an ordinary Bhiva or Bhima to Dr. Ambedkar.
A number of landmarks across India have been named after her. One of the popular statues of Ramabai Ambedkar is in Pune, Maharashtra which was unveiled by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on 30 May 2015.
Ramabai was born to Bhiku Dhotre (Valangkar) and Rukmini and had a brother named Shankar and three sisters. She belonged to a poor family and lived in the Mahapura locality within the village of Vanand near Dapoli Ratnagiri. His father used to carry baskets of fish from Harnai Bunder & Dabhol harbor to the market to earn his livelihood. Her mother died when she was young and later her father also died. Thereafter, her uncles Valangkar and Govindpurkar took the children to Bombay to live with them in Byculla market.
1906 was the year when Ramabai married Ambedkar in a very simple ceremony in the vegetable market of Byculla, Mumbai. At this time, Ramabai was fifteen years old and Ambedkar was eight years old. Ramabai was affectionately called “Ramu” by Ambedkar while she called him by the name “Saheb”. She gave birth to five children - Yashwant, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu (daughter) and Rajratna. Among these, Yashwant(1912–1977) remained alive while the other four died in their childhood.
Ramabai has remained the popular subject of a number of biographical movies, and books. Her life is featured in the following:
| Born | 7 February 1898, Vanand, Bombay Presidency, British India(now in Maharashtra, India) |
| Died | 27 May 1935 (aged 37) Rajgruha, Bombay, British India |
| Other Names | Ramai (Mother Rama), Ramu |
| Spouse | B. R. Ambedkar |
| Children | 5, including Yashwant |