By Akshara
April 14, 2026
To celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti 2026, it is important to reflect on the disciplined lifestyle of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Contrary to popular belief, his diet was not just simple; it was a blend of his Maharashtrian roots and the structured, protein-rich habits he acquired while studying abroad.
According to his wife Savita Ambedkar’s memoirs, he began his day with a disciplined, English-style breakfast featuring eggs, oats, and coffee to fuel his demanding intellectual work. 
He was famously a small eater who preferred a very light lunch consisting of thin phulkas, a little rice, and a small portion of meat or fish to avoid post-meal lethargy. 
True to his roots and later health requirements, he frequently opted for Bajra or Jowar bhakris (millet flatbreads), which are rich in fiber and better for managing blood sugar than refined flour.
In his later years, Ambedkar often skipped dinner entirely or had a very minimal snack to maintain mental clarity for his late-night reading and writing sessions.
He insisted on eating food that was served fresh and hot, often using a hotplate at the table, believing that food should be consumed with dignity and focus rather than as a rushed chore.