The Birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar (Babasaheb) is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti all over India. Celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti in 14th April 2017.
Ambedkar Jayanti - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birthday falls on 14th April, and each year sees countrywide celebration in his honour. This day is officially recognised as ‘Ambedkar Jayanti'. Known as the 'Father of Indian Constitution', he chartered the course of Indian social and political system. However, his vision for India’s future went much beyond, and as such Dr. Ambedkar made inroads into the heart of all Indians, not just the Dalit community. Dr. Ambedkar's relevance in today's times is magnified as the world is beset with incidents of violation of human rights and political freedom. Ambedkar Jayanti day brings out this sense of personal freedom and individual responsibility of every citizen to lead a dignified existence. The celebratory air on this day is palpable everywhere and every event is suffused with the theme of social and political empowerment that finds resonance with all the citizens including the present generation. Dr. Ambedkar stands out as an iconic personality among the pantheon of leaders in both pre and post -Independent India.
Dr. Ambedkar - His relevance as a World Leader
Dr. Ambedkar's life has inspired people from the oppressed classes to earn a life of self-respect and dignity. Babasaheb set out an exemplary path by imbibing a modern outlook, embracing western education, and envisioning a society bereft of social bigotry and regressive thinking. Rising above the deep morass of caste biases, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar defied the hard circumstances of his life and pursued scholarship to become an erudite personality, earning his degrees from London School of Economics and Columbia University. Dr. Ambedkar became the first law minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet from August 29, 1947 to January 24, 1950.
Dr. Ambedkar worked relentlessly to weed out ‘untouchability’ and ensured political rights and social freedom for 'untouchables' by active involvement in protest marches, movements and campaigns. In recognition of his contribution to the championship of the Dalit cause and his role as jurist and a social reformer, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna Award, the highest civilian award in India. A University in India is named after him.
Dr. Ambedkar’s political career was defined by his pragmatism and modern thinking. His ideas had universal appeal, and that makes him a not just a mainstream leader but a world leader, who championed the cause of humanity.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Birthday in 2016
2016 which coincides with the 125th Birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, plans are afoot to celebrate his birth anniversary at an unprecedented level. Countrywide events have been planned to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar from April 14, 2015 to April 14, 2016.
An international centre named ‘Ambedkar International Centre’ is going to come up at Janpath in New Delhi under the Modi government.
One of the most important places in focus will be Ambedkar’s birthplace Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. The celebration which will include discussions, symposiums, workshops, book-readings and activities around the theme of secularism will also serve to highlight the deep relevance of Dr. Ambedkar in our lives and his legacy that needs to be preserved.
Ambedkar Jayanti activities
To commemorate this day, lakhs of people visit the Parliament House complex to pay their respects while the air echoes with slogans that venerate BabaSahib. Since Dr. Ambedkar had converted into Buddhism, Buddhists followers chant holy mantras to show their allegiance and respect. Prayers and memorial speeches are intrinsic parts of the events held in various state capitals.
Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations across India
To mark a day of such significance, this day is commemorated by leaders and proud Indian citizens as they pay homage to B. R. Ambedkar's statue by offering flowers, lamps, garlands and candles. The precincts of the Parliament House which has statues and busts of Dr. Ambedkar is elegantly decorated on this day, as it witnesses long queue of visitors waiting to pay tribute. In some cities, speeches, debates, dramatics, are encouraged that extol Ambedkar's vision.
The historic 'Chaitya Bhoomi' which is a memorial to Dr. B R Ambedkar at Dadar in Mumbai, sees umpteen crowds making its way to pay their respects to Dr Ambedkar. Various Dalit groups and other socially-oriented organizations carry out processions. Cultural programs are also held. Awards such as Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award are given by recognized institutions to students belonging to weaker and marginalized sections of the society. Some Universities also encourage research activities on topics close to Dr. Ambedkar's heart.