Vol. 16 · pages 6–10

Collected Works of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar (CWBA) Editorial Board Kumari Selja Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India and Chairperson, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Shri Manikrao Hodlya Gavit Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India Shri P. Balram Naik Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India Shri Sudhir Bhargav Secretary Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India Shri Sanjeev Kumar Joint Secretary Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India and Member Secretary, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Shri Viney Kumar Paul Director Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Shri Kumar Anupam Manager (Co-ordination) - CWBA Shri Jagdish Prasad ‘Bharti’ Manager (Marketing) - CWBA Shri Sudhir Hilsayan Editor, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation

Mantralaya, Mumbai 400 032 Date : 20/8/1997 CHIEF MINISTER MAHARASHTRA PREFACE The present volume of the Speeches and Writings of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar contains his Dictionary of the Pali language and Pali Grammar. The Dictionary and Grammar are certainly valuable aids to the speeches. Pali was indeed the lingua franca of the Buddhist India. It has close affinity to Marathi. As such, the study of Pali has much relevance to the contemporary Marathi. In compiling the Dictionary of Pali language and its Grammar, Dr. Ambedkar had in mind the project of promoting the study of the Buddhist India which is part of the ancient Hindu culture. As is well-known, Buddha is the 10th incarnation of God. This dictionary is a testimony and a tribute to the mind of Dr. Ambedkar that was deeply rooted in the Indian soil. I hope the students of the Buddhist literature will find the present volume useful to quench the thirst of knowledge. MANOHAR JOSHI

MINISTER FOR HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA Mantralaya, Mumbai 400 032 Date : 28 / 1 / 1998 FOREWORD The present volume of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s writings contain the following important documents 1) Grammar of the Pali Language was found printed by Dr. Ambedkar himself but was not released for sale. 2) (a) Dictionary of the Pali words in English and (b) in four languages. 3) Booklet printed and published by Dr. Ambedkar himself, for the followers of Buddhism. It appears from the collection in part two (b) that Dr. Ambedkar could not complete the work of Pali Dictionary in 4 languages which he planned for the students of Buddhism. The unpublished writings of Dr. Ambedkar as a whole, though incomplete are useful for the students of Philology. The curious student’s may think of advancing this study further. The Government is committed to finalise the remaining work of Dr. Ambedkar’s writings and speeches and I hope this will be brought out at the earliest. The translation project is also in process. The work of Dr. Ambedkar will prove to be a source of inspiration for younger generation and will help strengthening the roots of democracy in this country. (DATTA RANE)