Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti or Ambedkar Remembrance Day (14 April) is the day when India celebrates the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Like every year, the nation is all set to commemorate Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti 2024 on 14th April 2024. As India pays tribute to the life and legacies of one of the tallest leaders of independent India, this article of NEXT IAS presents a detailed account of Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti, including its history, significance, and more.
About Ambedkar Jayanti
Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti or Ambedkar Remembrance Day, is celebrated in India every year on 14 April. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar, a leader of Dalits and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Along with reminding us of the extraordinary contributions of Dr Ambedkar, this day provides us an opportunity to reflect upon our ongoing journey for equality and social justice.
Key Facts about Ambedkar Jayanti
| Date | 14 April |
| Also Kown As | Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti, Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, Bhim Jayanti, Ambedkar Remembrance Day, Equality Day. |
| Origin | Started in 1928 as a celebration of the birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar. |
| Objective | To celebrate the life and legacies of Dr Ambedkar and to promote equality and social justice. |
| Theme | Typically, there is NO pre-announced theme for its celebrations. However, most of the events are organized on the theme of “Equality and Social Justice”. |
About Dr BR Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ramjo Ambedkar, famously known as the Father of the Indian Constitution, is a monumental figure in Indian history. He was a leader of the depressed classes in India who played a key role in framing India’s Constitution and spent his lifetime fighting for equality and social justice for downtrodden castes in India.
Born on 14 April 1891, in Mhow (now Ambedkar Nagar) in Madhya Pradesh, Ambedkar’s legacy is marked by a plethora of contributions. He became a powerful voice for the upliftment of Dalits and other oppressed communities and fought against the unjust caste system in India. As the chairman of the drafting committee, Ambedkar played a pivotal role in crafting the Indian Constitution. By making attempts to get the Hindu Code Bill passed, he also promoted the cause of gender equality and women empowerment in India.
It is in recognition of his immense contributions that India celebrates his birth anniversary on 14 April every year as Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti or Ambedkar Remembrance Day.
Read our detailed article on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
History of Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations
The history of the celebrations is a gradual evolution from community-based commemoration to a national day of observance. The timeline of its origins and evolution can be seen as follows:
1928: The First Celebration
- The very first public celebration of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s birthday is credited to social activist Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay in Pune on April 14, 1928.
- This marked the beginning of a tradition, which was carried forward by the followers of Ambedkar over the years.
1940s-1980s: Growing Recognition
- Throughout the mid-20th century, as Ambedkar’s stature grew, the celebration of his birth anniversary witnessed growing recognition.
- However, it was still not a national-level observance yet.
1990s Onwards: Increased Observance
- In 1990, Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Also, the period 1990-91 was declared as the “Year of Social Justice”.
- All these meant that Ambedkar Remembrance Day started gaining wider recognition, with many states unofficially observing it as a holiday.
2020s: Central Government Recognition
- During this time around, the day started getting Central Government recognition.
- While there isn’t a specific documented date for a national holiday declaration, of late, the Central Government offices have been observing the day as a holiday for the last few years.
Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations in India
The celebrations of Ambedkar Remembrance Day celebrations in India are marked by a range of official and public events across the country. Government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs, etc organize various programs across the country to celebrate the day.
Here is an overview of some common types of events that take place as part of Bhim Day celebrations in India:
- Celebrations by the government include the issuing of commemorative coins, organizing public events, etc.
- People gather at statues and memorials of Dr. Ambedkar to pay their respects.
- Schools and universities organize seminars, lectures, and discussions to educate younger generations about Ambedkar’s life, philosophies, and contributions.
- Exhibitions showcasing Ambedkar’s life and work are organized at various places across the country.
- Public processions and rallies are very common as part of celebrations.
- Traditional dance and music performances depicting themes of equality and social justice add a cultural dimension to the celebrations.
- Speeches and Discussions on issues related to social justice and caste discrimination.
Objectives of Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations
Though the day mainly commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, the celebrations revolve around multiple objectives. Some of the prominent objectives of Ambedkar Remembrance Day celebrations can be seen as follows:
- Honoring Ambedkar’s Contributions: The primary objective is to honor and remember the immense contributions of Dr. Ambedkar to Indian society.
- Educational Awareness: Through various events and programs, the celebrations help to educate the public, especially the younger generations, about Dr. Ambedkar’s vision and philosophies.
- Promoting Social Equality: Dr. Ambedkar was a staunch advocate for equality and fought against the caste system and untouchability. Celebrations aim to promote his ideals of social justice, equality, and human rights, encouraging people to work towards a society where everyone is treated equally.
- Inspiring Change and Social Reform: By highlighting Dr. Ambedkar’s struggle and achievements, it aims to inspire people to take up the cause of fighting against social injustices and inequalities.
Significance of Celebrations of Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti
- By promoting Ambedkar’s vision of harmony among all communities, it helps promote national unity and integration.
- social initiatives and community development projects launched by many government and non-governmental organizations on this occasion help uplift marginalized communities.
- The celebrations inspire individuals and communities to work for the cause of social reform, advocating for the rights and dignity of the oppressed and underserved.
- It renews focus on our ongoing journey towards the promotion of Equality and Human Rights.
- The celebrations reaffirm India’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India.
- The renewed focus on education during the celebrations can encourage continued efforts to improve access to education, especially for marginalized communities.
Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti is not just a day to remember the birth of a great leader but also a day to celebrate the values he stood for and the transformative impact he had on Indian society. Dr. BR Ambedkar’s life and work continue to inspire millions of people in India and around the world to strive for social justice, equality, and human rights. As we observe Ambedkar Remembrance Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals he championed and work towards realizing his dream of an inclusive and equitable India.
FAQs on Ambedkar Jayanti
Why do We Celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti?
Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated in India to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Where was BR Ambedkar Born?
Dr. BR Ambedkar was born in Mhow (now Ambedkar Nagar) in Madhya Pradesh on 14 April 1891.
Is Ambedkar Jayanti a National Holiday?
Ambedkar Jayanti is not a national holiday in India. However, it is a public holiday in many Indian states and Union Territories.
