Ambedkar Jayanti Date
October 12, 2011 in Jayanti
When is Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrated – Ambedkar Jayanti Date falls on 14th April every year.
Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb. He was born on 14th April in 1891. B. R. Ambedkar is the architect of modern Indian constitution and he is called ‘Father of Indian Constitution’. Babasaheb was not only the political leader and jurist, but he was an anthropologist, philosopher and a revolutionist. Every year Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated on 14th April which is also a National holiday in all states of Indian subcontinent.
Significance of Ambedkar Jayanti
Dr. Ambedkar was born in an underprivileged ‘Mahar’ family which used to be considered untouchable according to the much-hyped Indian caste system practiced in most rural and some urban parts of the country. He had to succumb with numerous social discrimination throughout his life. He surmounted all socio-economic barriers to become the first so-called ‘Outcast’ to obtain a college degree, very first time in Indian history. He studied law and political science and attended Columbia University. He bagged law and several doctorate degrees and practiced law for a few years. He advocated for the social rights of low castes in India and wrote revolutionary articles in journals and political papers. He became the Chairperson of the ‘Constitution Drafting Committee’ of independent India.
Ambedkar prepared the draft of Indian constitution which offered lawful security to Indian citizens in terms of various individual civil rights which included liberty of religions and eradication of discrimination and unaccountability. He proposed for comprehensive socio-economic rights of Indian women which received complete support from the Assembly. Hence the reservation system was formed ensuring jobs for scheduled caste and tribe members and women at various government sectors.
Celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti
Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare across India, especially in Maharashtra, the birth state of this great soul. On his birthday many political as well as ‘Dalit’ (low caste) organizations arrange for special cultural events and rallies. ‘Dalit melas’ are held across the country. Memorial speeches are delivered at functions held in state capitals. Prayers are offered to Babasaheb and devotional songs are sung.
Indeed Ambedkar Jayanti is an event that commemorates the real freedom of rural India which was tied in the shackles of detrimental caste and discrimination system.