“I was born among the classified people. I had vowed from a young age to dedicate my life to their progress. Throughout my life, many temptations have come and gone that could have deviated me from this promise. If I had decided in my childhood to only work towards my own good, then I could have attained any prestigious position I desired, and had I joined Congress, then I would have enjoyed the highest esteemed position within it. However, I have decided to devote my entire life for the betterment of the classified people and, with this goal in mind, I have been following a principle. The principle is that, if someone feels immense enthusiasm for accomplishing a task and that task remains constantly on their mind, it will be commendable for them to adopt a focused way of thinking and action to accomplish it. The issue of the welfare of classified people has been left hanging in limbo by the government for too long. You can imagine (from the above facts) how much pain this must have caused my heart.”- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar‘Waiting for a Visa’ by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is a brief autobiographical account written in 1935-36. It illuminates the pervasive caste-based discrimination faced by the Dalit community. The title metaphorically suggests the Dalits' ongoing struggle for acceptance and dignity in Indian society.Key ChaptersChildhood Experiences : Ambedkar recalls being denied help during his childhood travels due to his ‘untouchable’ status, leaving lasting trauma.Academic Discrimination : Despite his advanced degrees, Ambedkar was refused accommodation and faced profound disrespect upon returning to India.Transport Refusal : Hindu tongawallas refused to transport Ambedkar, highlighting dangerous, deep- rooted intolerance.Superstition of Impurity : Casteism perpetuates beliefs in impurity and contamination, contrary to religious teachings on compassion.Medical Negligence : A Dalit woman died in childbirth as a doctor refused care, showcasing deadly caste-based discrimination in healthcare.Professional Disrespect : A Bhangi boy, despite his post as a scribe, faced disrespect due to his caste, forcing him to leave his job.Historical Context : Discrimination against Shudras and untouchables has deep historical roots, with Ambedkar’s activism aiming to combat these injustices.