what is the seven wonders of the world

1. Christ the Redeemer Statue

• The 105-foot-tall (38-meter-tall) "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil , was among the "new seven wonders of the world" announced July 7 following a global poll to decide a new list of human-made marvels.
• The winners were voted for by Internet and phone, American Idol style. The other six new wonders are the Colosseum in Rome, India's Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Jordan's ancient city of Petra, the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, and the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá in Mexico.
• The contest was organized by the New7Wonders Foundation—the brainchild of Swiss filmmaker and museum curator Bernard Weber—in order to "protect humankind's heritage across the globe." The foundation says the poll attracted almost a hundred million votes.
• Yet the competition has proved controversial, drawing criticism from the United Nations' cultural organization UNESCO, which administers the World Heritage sites program (pictures of the newest World Heritage sites).
• "This initiative cannot, in any significant and sustainable manner, contribute to the preservation of sites elected by [the] public," UNESCO said in a statement.
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      2.Great Wall of China

• This newly elected world wonder was built along China 's northern border over many centuries to keep out invading Mongol tribes.
• Constructed between the fifth century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall is the world's longest human-made structure, stretching some 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers). The best known section was built around 200 B.C. by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang Di.
• The wall was among the winners of the New7Wonders poll announced during a televised ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal. However the Chinese state broadcaster chose not to broadcast the event, and Chinese state heritage officials refused to endorse the competition.
• It was a different story for some of the other candidates. In Brazil, for example, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva encouraged his compatriots to vote for Rio de Janeiro's mountaintop statue of Jesus Christ.
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      3.The Colosseyum, Rome, Italy

• The only finalist from Europe to make it into the top seven—the Colosseum inRome , Italy —once held up to 50,000 spectators who came to watch gory games involving gladiators, wild animals, and prisoners.
• Construction began around A.D. 70 under Emperor Vespasian. Modern sports stadiums still resemble the Colosseum's famous design.
• European sites that didn't make the cut include Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
• The Vatican in Rome accused the competition's organizers of ignoring Christian monuments, none of which was featured among the 20 finalists. Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, head of culture and archaeology at the Vatican, called the omission of sites such as the Sistine Chapel "inexplicable."
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       4.Petra, Jordan

• Perched on the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom of King Aretas IV (9 B.C. to A.D. 40).
• Petra is famous for its many stone structures such as a 138-foot-tall (42-meter-tall) temple carved with classical facades into rose-colored rock. The ancient city also included tunnels, water chambers, and an amphitheater, which held 4,000 people.
• The desert site wasn't known to the West until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt came across it in 1812.
• Jordan  has taken the New7Wonders competition seriously. Petra is an important attraction in a country where tourism has recently suffered due to troubles in the Middle East region, particularly in neighboring Iraq.
• The Jordanian royal family backed a campaign promoting Petra's selection.
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    5.Machu Picchu, Peru

• One of three successful candidates from Latin America, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century mountain settlement in the Amazon region of Peru
• The ruined city is among the best known remnants of the Inca civilization, which flourished in the Andes region of western South America. The city is thought to have been abandoned following an outbreak of deadly smallpox, a disease introduced in the 1500s by invading Spanish forces.
• Hundreds of people gathered at the remote, 7,970-foot-high (2,430-meter-high) site on Saturday to celebrate Machu Picchu's new "seven wonders" status.
• The winners were revealed at a soccer stadium in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where Machu Picchu reportedly got one of the biggest cheers.
• The other two Latin American selections were Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Chichén Itzá, Mexico.
•  .

      6.Chichén Itzá, Mexico

• Chichén Itzá is possibly the most famous temple city of the Mayas, a pre-Columbian civilization that lived in present day Central America. It was the political and religious center of Maya civilization during the period from A.D. 750 to 1200
• At the city's heart lies the Temple of Kukulkan (pictured)—which rises to a height of 79 feet (24 meters). Each of its four sides has 91 steps—one step for each day of the year, with the 365th day represented by the platform on the top.
• The New7Wonders competition was launched in 1999, and the voting process beginning in 2005. Nearly 200 nominations that came in from around the world were narrowed down to 21.
• Unsuccessful finalists included the giant statues of Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean; the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia; and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. 
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   7.Taj Mahal, India

• The Taj Mahal, in Agra, India , is the spectacular mausoleum built by Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his beloved late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
• Construction began in 1632 and took about 15 years to complete. The opulent, domed mausoleum, which stands in formal walled gardens, is generally regarded as finest example of Mughal art and architecture. It includes four minarets, each more than 13 stories tall.
• Shah Jahan was deposed and put under house arrest by one of his sons soon after the Taj Mahal's completion. It's said that he spent the rest of his days gazing at the Taj Mahal from a window.

Bradman created a legend

• Nasser Hussain today paid a simple but perfect tribute to Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest cricketer of all time, who died last night.
• He was a legend and he created a legend," said England's captain shortly before start of play on the final morning of the first Test against Sri Lanka here in Galle.
• Hussain and his team-mates were told of The Don's death in Adelaide, at the age of 92, as they assembled for breakfast
• "Talking about how he would have adapted in this or other eras is all guesswork," added the captain.
• "What is indisputable is that he was a great player and what he's left to the game will remain for a lot longer than any discussion about how he would have coped with Muttiah Muralitharan or played against Wasim Akram."
• Bradman's Test average of 99.94 is nearly 40 runs higher than anyone else who has played the game at top level for any length of time.
• In 52 matches he scored 6,996 runs, with 29 centuries and, but for making a duck in his last innings - against England - would have averaged 100-plus.
• England's players and officials and their Sri Lankan counterparts lined up for two minutes' silence just before start of play this morning.
• Mike Atherton and Graham Thorpe, the two not out batsmen, were excused but they still paid their respects by standing in the visitors' dressing room.
• "It's a sad day for everyone but especially all Australians and our thoughts to go out to their team in India, where they are about to start a Test," said Hussain.
• There will be many discussions about The Don's record but what is beyond dispute is the fact that he was a great player in his era and, generally, people like that will be great players at any time.
• "I think it will be difficult for anyone to average 99 in Tests now or in the future. The quality of bowling is so much better now. But all those points are irrelevant. A great man has died and we as a team want to acknowledge that.
• "The last of the great players of his time has now gone and, rather than talk about statistics, we want to acknowledge him and then get on with trying to make this a better game."
• Bradman will be given a private funeral in accordance with his final wishes, his family said today. Bradman's only son, John, said his father had asked to be privately cremated but a memorial service for the public would be held in about two weeks' time.
• Bradman was born at Cootamundra in southern New South Wales on 27 August, 1908 but grew up in the southern highlands town of Bowral, about 60 miles south west of Sydney.
• His wife, Jessie Menzies, whom he married in 1932, died in 1997. The couple had two children, John and Shirley, and Bradman had three grandchildren - Greta, Tom and Nicholas.
• The private funeral service and cremation will be held in Adelaide, likely later this week and the public memorial service will also in Adelaide, at St. Peter's Cathedral.
• The New South Wales state government announced that on the day of Bradman's funeral the flag on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge will be flown at half mast.
• In Canberra, Prime Minister John Howard said he had visited Bradman a week ago in Adelaide.
• "It was always going to be a shock when Don Bradman died because he has really been the most dominant figure in Australian life now for decades," he said. "But he was very ill."
• Former England Test bowler Fred Trueman said Bradman was "possibly the greatest batsman who ever lived.
• He then added: "I found him to be a very nice man and when I went to Australia I used to go and see him and became very friendly with him.

Beyond Bruce Lee history

• Growing up, my education in martial arts came from Saturday afternoon movies on channel 5. Lessons started promptly at 3pm. My teachers where Shaolin monks, bronze men and venoms. And of course, one teacher stood above the rest.
• Growing up, my education in martial arts came from Saturday afternoon movies on channel 5. Lessons started promptly at 3pm. My teachers where Shaolin monks, bronze men and venoms. And of course, one teacher stood above the rest.
• When I got older, I had the opportunity to start reviewing and writing about some of my favorite martial arts movies. It was a great privilege to talk to the actors and martial artists who had been in and contributed to martial arts cinema. 
• After spending some time in the world of martial arts journalism, my perspectives regarding the history of martial arts in America would evolve.  I'd learn about the period known as the "Golden Age of Martial Arts in America," the mid 1960s to 70s. 
• My research exposed me to tournaments, bare knuckle competitions and mixed martial arts as early as the 1950s. I'd also learn about the undiscussed topic of racism in the martial arts -- which may linger today. I'd encounter plenty of characters and individuals whose lives warranted their own movies; tragedy stories, fake ass ninjas and the martial arts profiteers, more specifically people who are getting that "Bruce Lee money."
• In the 1970s, Marvel comics decided to capitalize on the Chopsocky craze in the United States. Through the imprint Curtis Publications, they created  a martial arts comic entitled THE DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG FU.
• The comic reflected or epitomized the zeitgeist of martial arts in America. Plenty of myth, great movies, characters, and people who actually practiced the arts -- the players.
• One visible figure, referenced in each of the thirty three issues, was Bruce Lee. Although he had passed a year earlier, each comic referenced him. Marvel had even created a character named Shang Chi, who basically looked like the iconic Lee. Marvel was getting that "Bruce Lee money."
• While in the midst of my research, I managed to get my hands on the original collection. The original series has an abundance of retro stories, great interviews, and writing which had obvious influenced our favorite martial arts movie writers. I'd even seek out and interview Stan Lee. During our conversation, he'd paint a superhuman image of Lee. 
• 
• The eccentric and exciting Dante, had apparently opened up doors for African American and Hispanic martial artist during the 1960s. In Chicago, he was also the the first to openly teach them. Even teaching Muslims and gang members. As a result, he was ostracized by the martial arts community. According to Keehan, teaching minorities led to his expulsion from the U.S. Karate association in 1964.
• After a series of conversations with martial artist of different ethnicities, I'd learn that racism was prevalent in the martial arts during the 60s and 70s. It was manifested in competition, failure to give acknowledgement to practitioners and perhaps intentionally utilizing the media, whether print or film, to distort the history of the arts in America. 
• This series of awakening builds, eventually led me to Victor Moore aka "The Man Who Beat Them All." The man who had been the nation's first Black national karate champion in 1965. The man who had amassed an impressive number of victories, beating Chuck Norris, Superfoot Wallace, Joe Lewis and Mike Stone. The man who had been a mystery to me. 
• Moore's entire career has been eclipsed by footage from the 1967 Ed Parker Long Beach invitational tournament. You should be familiar with the black and white film footage, showing Bruce Lee throwing punches at an opponent who wasn't able to defend.
• Vic Moore, the man who beat them all, was on the receiving end and according to him, not only had Lee cheated during the exchange, he was able to score against Lee during the second half of the speed drill. The latter half of the video has never been shown, and through another source, I'd find out that Moore's claim could be credible. 
• "Lee was to come in on me and score punches to the chest. He came in and I blocked it, he came in again and I blocked it, then he flashed at my face and I laughed" said Moore. 
• Through my research, I'd learn, that there was regular, organized martial arts play in the midwest, east and west coasts. This has been described as the golden era of martial arts in America. If this was the case, why didn't Bruce Lee participate? If he didn't believe in tournaments, or organized fighting, then why show up at a tournament to demonstrate his skills?
• Wall continued  "What I am telling you are facts; what has been printed was mostly mythical, wonderful stuff. He never competed, though we all felt he was good enough to become a lightweight champion…But in order to become a world champion, you have to lose. Name me a champion and I'll tell you who he lost to. We've all lost."
• Although the article was somewhat based on Wall's view, he made some good points. How could an entire generation of fighters become obsolete? 

what is the precautions on driving

• Driving while talking on a cell phone or otherwise operating a mobile communication device can lead to serious safety hazards that include vehicle collisions, injury and even death. Drivers who absolutely must continue driving while using their mobile phones, though, can take a few basic safety precautions to reduce the likelihood of an accident.

1. Go Hands Free

• USING A WIRELESS HANDSET OR IN-VEHICLE SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE SYSTEM FREES UP A DRIVER'S HANDS FOR MORE IMPORTANT TASKS, SUCH AS STEERING THE VEHICLE OR SHIFTING GEARS. IN SOME AREAS, HANDS-FREE DEVICES ARE MORE THAN A CONVENIENCE FOR DRIVERS; STATE AND LOCAL LAWS REQUIRE THEM. ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNORS' HIGHWAY SAFETY ASSOCIATION, EIGHT STATES FORBID DRIVERS FROM USING A MOBILE PHONE HANDSET WHILE DRIVING AS OF MARCH 2011, AND 30 MORE DISALLOW USING THE DEVICES TO SEND OR RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE. HEADSETS AND BUILT-IN SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE SYSTEMS DO HAVE THEIR CRITICS, THOUGH; A 2009 ARTICLE IN "MOTOR TREND" MAGAZINE NOTES THAT THE DISTRACTION OF A CONVERSATION, NOT HOLDING THE PHONE ITSELF, INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CAR CRASH.

  
  
  2.Keep the Vehicle Maintained
             
  A poorly maintained vehicle can seem sluggish or, in some cases, respond unpredictably to the driver's input. The driver safety website Texting While Driving notes that regular tire rotation and proper tire inflation can help drivers maintain control of the vehicle while talking on a cell phone. Other basic maintenance items, like changing windshield wipers and keeping the windshield washer fluid full, can help minimize additional driver distractions during a phone conversation.
  
  
  3.Slow Down
                            Driving at high speeds reduces the time between a driving error and a collision, and high velocities can amplify the destructive effects of a crash. Because driving at slower speeds allows distracted drivers more time to react to obstacles and unexpected roadway issues, Texting While Driving recommends that drivers slow down when using a cell phone. Many cities enforce minimum speed limits designed to maintain a steady flow of traffic, though, so slowing down may not be an option for some drivers. In addition, distracted drivers moving at a significantly slower speed than other nearby vehicles can raise, rather than lower, the likelihood of a crash.
  
  
  4.Keep the Phone Nearby
                                                    The 2009 "Motor Trend" article discussing distracted driving noted that many accidents occur as drivers reach for their wireless phones. To help reduce the risk of cell phone--related accidents, traffic expert Reed Berry recommends keeping the phone close to the driver. If the phone rings or the driver must make a call, having the phone nearby can reduce the driver's need to reach for the device. Berry recommends pulling off the road to dial or look up numbers, though, as these actions divert the driver's attention from the road for an unsafe amount of time. Berry goes on to recommend using the phone's speed dial or voice dialing functions to further reduce the amount of attention the driver must divert from the road to the phone.
  
  

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the fourteenth of Ramji and Bhimabai Sakpal Ambavedkar, was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Central India into the "untouchable" Mahar caste. His father, and grandfather Maloji, were in the British Army. The Government required all Army personnel and their families to be educated and ran schools for this purpose. Thus the Sakpal family was fortunate to receive good education which otherwise, would have been denied to them At the age of six, Bhim's mother died. The family was brought up by Ramji's sister Meerabai until Ramji married a widow named Jijabai. Ramji was a strict, pious man. He never ate meat or touched liquor. He, along with his children, would sing devotional songs composed by Namdev, Tukaram, Moropant and Mukteshwar and read stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Ramji retired from the army after 14 years of service at the rank of "Subedar-Major" of the 2nd Grenadiers. The family moved to Dapoli in Konkan and then to Satara. Bhim and elder brother, Anand, were enrolled in the contonment school, Government High School. Bhim began to taste the bitter reality of being born "untouchable" in school. He had to sit on the floor in one corner in the classroom. Teachers would not touch his notebooks. If Bhim felt thirsty, he could only drink water if someone else poured water into his mouth. Once provoked by an uncontrollable fit of thirst, Bhim drank from the public reservoir. He was found out and beaten by the higher caste Hindus. These experiences were permanently etched onto his mind. He realized that this was the plight of anyone born "untouchable." While in school, Bhim's teacher Ambedkar, entered his last name into the school records as Ambedkar. Teacher Ambedkar and Pendse, were the only ones in the entire school who were kind and affectionate to young him. They made the few fond memories Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had of his school days. Bhim was an average student. He became fond of gardening and, whenever he could, he bought saplings and with great devotion nurtured them to full growth. While studying in Satara, many of his classmates left for good jobs in Bombay. He too wanted to go to Bombay and get a job and become independent. He realized that if he ever were to be successful, he would have to concentrate more on his studies. He became interested in reading. He read not just the prescribed books in school but any book in general. His father Bhim enrolled in the Elphinstone High School in Bombay. Even there, one of his teachers constantly mocked him, saying that of what use was an educated Mahar. Bhim swallowed these insults and controlled his anger. He passed his matriculation examination in 1907. The Mahar community felicitated him on his achievement. Bhim joined the Elphinstone College for further education. After completing his Intermediate course, Bhim received a scholarship from the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayaji Rao, and attained a Bachelors in Arts in 1912. The February of next year, Bhim father and mentor, Ramji died. Sayaji Rao selected Bhim to be sent to America on a scholarship for higher studies. In return, Bhim Rao would have to serve the State of Baroda for ten years. Bhim Rao reached New York in July 1913. For the first time in his life, Bhim Rao was not demeaned for being a Mahar. He put his heart into his studies and received a degree in Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1916 for his thesis "National Dividend for India: A Historical and Analytical Study." From America, Bhim Rao proceeded to London to study economics and political science. He Government of Baroda terminated his scholarship and recalled him to Baroda. Bhim Rao vowed to return to London to complete his studies. The Maharaj appointed him to the post of Military Secretary but who cared to take orders from an "untouchable" Mahar. Bhim Rao could not even get lodging and not even the Prime Minister appointed by the Maharaja could help Bhim Rao find a place to live. Bhim Rao returned to Bombay in November 1917. and took a part time job in the Sydenham College with the sole aim of going to London to complete his studies. With the help of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a sympathizer of the cause for the upliftment of the depressed classes, Bhim Rao started a fortnightly newspaper, the Mooknayak (Leader of the Dumb) on January 31, 1920. The Maharaj also convened many meeting and conferences of the "untouchables" which Bhim Rao addressed. Impressed by Ambedkar, the Maharak declared at a meeting, "You have found your saviour in Ambedkar. I am confident he will break your shackles." In September 1920, after accumulating sufficient funds, Ambedkar returned to London to complete his studies. He became a barrister and got a Doctorate in Science. He now considered himself fully equipped to fight the evil of "untouchability." In July 1924, Ambedkar founded the Bahishkrut Hitkaraini Sabha. The aim of the Sabha was to uplift the downtrodden socially and politically and bring them to the level of the others in the Indian society. The Sabha aimed at scrapping the caste system from the Hindu religion. The Sabha started free school for the young and the old and ran reading rooms and libraries. Dr. Ambedkar took the grievances of the "untouchables" to court and gave them justice. Soon he became a father-figure to the poor and downtrodden and was respectfully called "Babasaheb." On March 19-20, 1927 a conference of the depressed classes was held at Mahad. Ten thousand delegates attended, workers and leaders attended. Babasaheb condemned the British for banning the recruitment of "untouchables" into the military. He declared, The next day, the conference decided to implement the resolution passed 4 years ago to open public places to all regardless of religion, caste or creed by drinking from the Chavdar Taley (Sweet-water Tank). They walked to the tank and drank from its water. Higher caste Hindus attacked them. They beat the delegates, pulled down the conference pulpit, threw away all the cooked food and broke all the vessels. Ambedkar told his people to stay calm and not to retaliate. Later the Hindus performed rituals to "purify" the "defiled" water. Ambedkar vowed to offer a satyagraha and re- establish his peoples right over the water tank. On December 25 of the same year, thousands responded to Ambedkar's call. Speaker after speaker spoke, passions rose and the vast gathering waited for the satyagraha to begin with intense anticipation. The satyagraha was deferred when the matter was referred to the court. At the end of conference, a copy of the Manusmruti, the age-old code of the Hindus that gave rise to the caste system, was ceremoniously burnt. In a thundering voice, Ambedkar demanded in its place a new smruti, devoid of all social stratification. This act sent shockwaves through the nation. In May 1956, on Buddha's Anniversary, Dr. Ambedkar announced that on October 14 he would embrace Buddhism. With him his wife and some three lakh followers also converted to the faith. When asked why, Dr. Ambedkar replied, "Why can't you ask this question to yourself and... your forefathers...?" On December 5, 1956, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar died peacefully in his sleep or as the Buddhists would say, he attained "nirvana."

• Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the fourteenth of Ramji and Bhimabai Sakpal Ambavedkar, was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Central India into the "untouchable" Mahar caste. His father, and grandfather Maloji, were in the British Army. The Government required all Army personnel and their families to be educated and ran schools for this purpose. Thus the Sakpal family was fortunate to receive good education which otherwise, would have been denied to them
• At the age of six, Bhim's mother died. The family was brought up by Ramji's sister Meerabai until Ramji married a widow named Jijabai. Ramji was a strict, pious man. He never ate meat or touched liquor. He, along with his children, would sing devotional songs composed by Namdev, Tukaram, Moropant and Mukteshwar and read stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
  Ramji retired from the army after 14 years of service at the rank of "Subedar-Major" of the 2nd Grenadiers. The family moved to Dapoli in Konkan and then to Satara. Bhim and elder brother, Anand, were enrolled in the contonment school, Government High School.
• Bhim began to taste the bitter reality of being born "untouchable" in school. He had to sit on the floor in one corner in the classroom. Teachers would not touch his notebooks. If Bhim felt thirsty, he could only drink water if someone else poured water into his mouth. Once provoked by an uncontrollable fit of thirst, Bhim drank from the public reservoir. He was found out and beaten by the higher caste Hindus. These experiences were permanently etched onto his mind. He realized that this was the plight of anyone born "untouchable."
• While in school, Bhim's teacher Ambedkar, entered his last name into the school records as Ambedkar. Teacher Ambedkar and Pendse, were the only ones in the entire school who were kind and affectionate to young him. They made the few fond memories Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had of his school days.
• Bhim was an average student. He became fond of gardening and, whenever he could, he bought saplings and with great devotion nurtured them to full growth. While studying in Satara, many of his classmates left for good jobs in Bombay. He too wanted to go to Bombay and get a job and become independent. He realized that if he ever were to be successful, he would have to concentrate more on his studies. He became interested in reading. He read not just the prescribed books in school but any book in general. His father 
• Bhim enrolled in the Elphinstone High School in Bombay. Even there, one of his teachers constantly mocked him, saying that of what use was an educated Mahar. Bhim swallowed these insults and controlled his anger. He passed his matriculation examination in 1907. The Mahar community felicitated him on his achievement.
• Bhim joined the Elphinstone College for further education. After completing his Intermediate course, Bhim received a scholarship from the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayaji Rao, and attained a Bachelors in Arts in 1912. The February of next year, Bhim father and mentor, Ramji died.
• Sayaji Rao selected Bhim to be sent to America on a scholarship for higher studies. In return, Bhim Rao would have to serve the State of Baroda for ten years. Bhim Rao reached New York in July 1913. For the first time in his life, Bhim Rao was not demeaned for being a Mahar. He put his heart into his studies and received a degree in Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1916 for his thesis "National Dividend for India: A Historical and Analytical Study."
• From America, Bhim Rao proceeded to London to study economics and political science. He Government of Baroda terminated his scholarship and recalled him to Baroda. Bhim Rao vowed to return to London to complete his studies.
• The Maharaj appointed him to the post of Military Secretary but who cared to take orders from an "untouchable" Mahar. Bhim Rao could not even get lodging and not even the Prime Minister appointed by the Maharaja could help Bhim Rao find a place to live. Bhim Rao returned to Bombay in November 1917. and took a part time job in the Sydenham College with the sole aim of going to London to complete his studies.
• With the help of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a sympathizer of the cause for the upliftment of the depressed classes, Bhim Rao started a fortnightly newspaper, the Mooknayak (Leader of the Dumb) on January 31, 1920. The Maharaj also convened many meeting and conferences of the "untouchables" which Bhim Rao addressed. Impressed by Ambedkar, the Maharak declared at a meeting, "You have found your saviour in Ambedkar. I am confident he will break your shackles."
• In September 1920, after accumulating sufficient funds, Ambedkar returned to London to complete his studies. He became a barrister and got a Doctorate in Science. He now considered himself fully equipped to fight the evil of "untouchability."
• In July 1924, Ambedkar founded the Bahishkrut Hitkaraini Sabha. The aim of the Sabha was to uplift the downtrodden socially and politically and bring them to the level of the others in the Indian society. The Sabha aimed at scrapping the caste system from the Hindu religion. The Sabha started free school for the young and the old and ran reading rooms and libraries. Dr. Ambedkar took the grievances of the "untouchables" to court and gave them justice. Soon he became a father-figure to the poor and downtrodden and was respectfully called "Babasaheb."
• On March 19-20, 1927 a conference of the depressed classes was held at Mahad. Ten thousand delegates attended, workers and leaders attended. Babasaheb condemned the British for banning the recruitment of "untouchables" into the military. He declared,
• The next day, the conference decided to implement the resolution passed 4 years ago to open public places to all regardless of religion, caste or creed by drinking from the Chavdar Taley (Sweet-water Tank). They walked to the tank and drank from its water. Higher caste Hindus attacked them. They beat the delegates, pulled down the conference pulpit, threw away all the cooked food and broke all the vessels. Ambedkar told his people to stay calm and not to retaliate. Later the Hindus performed rituals to "purify" the "defiled" water. Ambedkar vowed to offer a satyagraha and re- establish his peoples right over the water tank.
• On December 25 of the same year, thousands responded to Ambedkar's call. Speaker after speaker spoke, passions rose and the vast gathering waited for the satyagraha to begin with intense anticipation. The satyagraha was deferred when the matter was referred to the court. At the end of conference, a copy of the Manusmruti, the age-old code of the Hindus that gave rise to the caste system, was ceremoniously burnt. In a thundering voice, Ambedkar demanded in its place a new smruti, devoid of all social stratification. This act sent shockwaves through the nation.
• In May 1956, on Buddha's Anniversary, Dr. Ambedkar announced that on October 14 he would embrace Buddhism. With him his wife and some three lakh followers also converted to the faith. When asked why, Dr. Ambedkar replied, "Why can't you ask this question to yourself and... your forefathers...?"
• On December 5, 1956, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar died peacefully in his sleep or as the Buddhists would say, he attained "nirvana."

India Before 1947

• Today India is a modern and developing country. It is a country which has always been famous for its culture and ancient civilization. It is said that human life in India was first found during stone age. Paintings at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh proves the life during stone age.
• It was over 9000 years age, when the first permanent settlement appeared in India and it developed into the Indus Valley Civilization which is till now known for its advanced urban features. The superior civil drainage system of this age was the best scientific accomplishments and was followed by the Vedic Civilization.
• 
• According to the Hindu Mythology, the land of India at that period was referred to as Bharatavarsha and it was Vedic Civilization which laid the foundation of Hinduism in India. During this period many independent kingdoms and republics spread all over the country and this resulted in the complex religious culture in India. This was the same time when Jainism and Buddhism took birth in the country.
• India is a country which was ruled by many emperors during early ages and several dynasties flourished under the patronage of these kings. When the Gupta Dynasty came into power during the third century, the period got better for the people living in the country and it was referred to as the Golden Age of ancient India.
• Mughals and Marathas entered north India and gradually expanded their reign throughout the country. Many European invades arrived India as traders and later established colonies in the country. India came under the control of British East India Company by 1856 which had its capital at Calcutta. Later after the First War of India Independence, India came under the direct control of the British Monarch.
• British ruled India for many years till twentieth century. After this big English rule in the country, the Indian National Congress launched a struggle for independence throughout the nation. Many Indian leaders started mass campaigns and fought this struggle through ahimsa and total non violence.
• Gandhi lead Indians in the Dandi Salt March while others including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sardar Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and many more revolted demanding Britishers to quit India. India gained independence in 1947 but this independence resulted in forming Pakistan with the Muslim Majority separated from India and had their own land.
•  The name ‘India‘ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
•  The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name ‘Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
• The Art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh over 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘NAVGATIH’. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.
•  India is the largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest Country in the world, and one of the most ancient civilizations.
• The largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways, employing over a million people.
•  India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.
•  India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus, attracted by India’s wealth, had come looking for a sea route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
• Until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds in the world
•  Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.
•  India exports software to 90 countries.
•  India never invaded any country in its last 100000 years of history.
• There are 300,000 active mosques in India, more than in any other country, including the Muslim world
•  The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The shikhara of the temple is made from a single 80-tonne piece of granite. This magnificent temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola.
• Varanasi, also known as Benaras, was called “the Ancient City” when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C., and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.