Seeds of Change
Recently, I was off doing a client visit with a social work student who is currently doing placement here at Trinity Family Support Network. He’s from India and studying here with the goal of returning home to improve his community. During our drive, our conversation turned to his home country. He shared that one of his heroes is Dr. Ambedkar, the Indian man responsible for writing the nation’s constitution in 1950.
It was quite a surprise to hear this, as it brought back my time in India where I just happened to stumble upon this man. While travelling through rural areas, I often encountered these distinctive statues—painted in vivid blue, depicting a man holding a book, finger raised and pointing forward. Initially, I had no idea who this person was or what he represented. It wasn’t until I asked locals that I learned he was Dr. Ambedkar.
I then decided I wanted to know more about him, as he seemed to be a hero of the Indian people I talked to. I bought a book about his life and discovered an extraordinary story of resilience and courage. Dr. Ambedkar was born into one of the lowest castes in India—the Dalits, often referred to as “Untouchables.” At that time, Dalits had almost no rights, no access to education, and faced relentless discrimination. Despite these barriers, Dr. Ambedkar pursued education, even when it meant sitting outside classrooms and listening to lessons through windows because he wasn’t allowed inside.
Ambedkar’s perseverance paid off. He became instrumental in drafting India’s constitution, a powerful document still standing today. This constitution granted rights and protections to all Indians, explicitly safeguarding Dalits and other marginalised communities from discrimination.
It struck me how Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy continues to inspire generations, including the student on placement, thousands of miles away and decades later. Here he is, driven by the same commitment to change, preparing himself through education and experience to return home and improve his own community. He went on to tell me even more about Dr. Ambedkar and how the statue represents the constitution (the book he holds), and pointing forward signifies a call to move ahead towards progress, justice, and equality. It reflects Ambedkar’s vision of a better, more just India.
As Easter approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the parallels between Dr. Ambedkar’s life and the themes we explore in the Bible—particularly Jesus’ sacrifice and the call to serve and uplift others. Jesus lived a life of service, selflessness, and sacrifice, inspiring profound change. Similarly, Dr. Ambedkar’s commitment and sacrifices have sparked lasting transformation.
During our conversation, my student and I discussed how meaningful change often takes place over long periods, unfolding slowly yet powerfully. It can feel overwhelming—facing problems that seem insurmountable, wondering if our actions have any impact at all. But stories like Dr. Ambedkar’s remind us that our actions today can ripple through time.
It reminded me of the importance of perseverance, courage, and long-term vision in our lives. We may never witness the full impact of our actions, but just like Ambedkar, each of us can sow seeds today that will yield meaningful change tomorrow.
And as I look at Samar, our student, I see that same spark, the spark of one person following what God has put in their hearts.