DR. AMBEDKAR JAYANTI

~ Anubhooti Shaw

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was able to teach us equality, brotherhood, and freedom of speech. He gave us the largest constitution in writing. Ambedkar has illuminated the world and has strived to ensure the wellbeing of society. In honour of his efforts to raise the Dalit community, we Indians celebrate Dr B. R. Ambedkar's birthday with great fervour and enthusiasm. Ambedkar has also held several movements such as the Anti-Caste, Dalit Buddhist, Temple entry, etc.

Born on April 14, 1891, into a low cast family in Madhya Pradesh, Dr BR Ambedkar grew up to become not just one of India’s tallest statesmen, but the champion of Dalit rights. In Mhow canton (now known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar) in Central Provinces, the village Ambedkar was born (now in Madhya Pradesh). He is the last and fourteenth boy of the army officer Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Laxman Murbadkar's daughter Bhimabai Sakpal. His family came from the town of Ambadawe in the district of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, from the backdrop of the Marathi family. Ambedkar was born in a Mahar (Dalit) caste which was considered untouchable and discriminated against socio-economicly.

THE MAKING OF THE CONSTITUTION

After the country became independent on 15 August 1947, Ambedkar was invited by the new congressional government to serve as the first law minister of the nation, which he accepted. He was elected Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the constitution on 29 August and appointed by the assembly to write a new constitution for India.

Article 370 of the Constitution of India which granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status and which was included against his wishes was opposed by Ambedkar. Then Sk. Abdullah approached Nehru who led him to Gopal Swami Ayyangar, who in turn approached Patel Sardinian and told him that Nehru had promised special status to Sk. Abdullah. As Nehru was on an abroad tour, Patel passed the article. Ambedkar didn't answer questions but participated in other articles the day that the item came up for discussion. Krishna Swami Ayyangar made all the arguments.

Ambedkar has demonstrated his desire to reform the Indian society in discussions at the Constituent Assembly by recommending the adoption of the Uniform Civil Code. When Parliament stopped its Hindu Code Proposal in 1951 which seek to establish gender equality in the laws of legacy and marriage Ambedkar quit the cabinet. In 1952, Ambedkar challenged independently the lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, but a little-known Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar defeated him in the constituency of Bombay (north-center). In March 1952, he was appointed to the high house, the parliament, and the Rajya Sabha and was to remain as a member until his death.

THE JAYANTI

As a public holiday in most of the country, Ambedkar Jayanti (or Bhim Jayanti) commemorated his life and work and his crossing since 2015, which has helped to ensure that lower castes and untouchables in India.

Also a key advocate for complete independence from the British imperialist forces, also known lovingly as 'Babasaheb' BR Ambedkar laid the foundation for what became the Indian Reserve Bank (RBI). 40 years after his death, he had posthumously received India's highest civilian award – the Bharat Ratna.

Dr. Ambedkar’s work has received praise outside the country as well. In his honour, 14 April 2020 was observed as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality” in Canada. The United Nations, too, joined the celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

His followers in Mumbai's Chaitya Bhoomi and Deeksha-in bheomi's Nagpur perform Ambedkar Jayanti processions. Senior national leaders such as the President, Prime Minister and the leading political parties are customary to pay homage to the Ambedkar statue at the Indian Parliament in New Delhi. It is especially celebrated around the world in Dalits, adivasis, labourers, women and also those who followed the example of Buddhism. In India, many people are visiting local statues in procession with a great deal of fanfare, commemorating Ambedkar. The first Ambedkar Jayanti online took place around the world in 2020.