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Babu Jagjivan Ram — a truly remarkable figure in India's history:

Basic Details

Full Name: Jagjivan Ram

Popularly Known As: Babuji

Born: 5 April 1908

Birthplace: Chandwa village, near Arrah, Bihar, British India

Died: 6 July 1986, New Delhi, India

Early Life

He was born into a Dalit (formerly called "untouchable") family at a time when caste discrimination was very severe.

His father, Shobhi Ram, was a soldier in the British Army but later became a farmer.

Jagjivan Ram faced caste discrimination from an early age — for example, separate water pots for Dalits at school.

Despite hardships, he excelled academically. He studied at Banaras Hindu University and later earned a degree from the University of Calcutta.

Freedom Struggle and Early Activism

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom movement, Jagjivan Ram became active in the fight for India's independence.

He organized and mobilized Dalits and other marginalized communities to participate in the freedom movement.

He was a key figure in the Dalit movement, working to dismantle caste-based injustices.

Political Career

Constituent Assembly: He was a member of the team that drafted the Constitution of India.
Babu Jagjivan Ram's birthday (April 5th) is observed as a public holiday in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana due to his significant contributions to social justice, Dalit rights, and political leadership, particularly in these regions.

Reasons for the Holiday in These States:

1. Strong Influence in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana:

Babu Jagjivan Ram was a prominent Dalit leader who fought against caste discrimination and worked for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

His ideals resonated strongly with the socio-political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where Dalit movements have historically been active.



2. Recognition of His Contributions:

He played a key role in India’s Independence Movement and later as a Union Minister in various governments.

His efforts in agriculture, labor rights, and social justice had a direct impact on these states.



3. Dalit Empowerment Policies:

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have a significant Dalit population, and state governments have historically taken steps to honor Dalit icons.

His birthday is observed to acknowledge his role in improving the lives of Dalits and marginalized communities.




Why Not a National Holiday?

While April 5th is observed as "Samata Diwas" (Equality Day) nationwide, it is not a national public holiday. Only certain states, like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have chosen to recognize it as a public holiday due to its regional significance.

Parliamentary Career: He served as a Member of Parliament continuously for over 40 years (from 1936 to 1986), one of the longest parliamentary careers in India.

Union Minister: Held several important ministries like:

Labour

Communications

Railways

Food and Agriculture

Defence

As Defence Minister (1970–1974), he played a critical role during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Known for handling ministries effectively, bringing in reforms, and championing the cause of the common man.

Later Career

In 1977, after the Emergency (imposed by Indira Gandhi), he left the Congress Party and joined the Janata Party alliance.

He was one of the prominent leaders who helped defeat Indira Gandhi’s Congress in the 1977 elections.

He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India (1977–1979) under Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Contributions

Social Justice: He fought tirelessly against caste discrimination and for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Land Reforms: Advocated for land reforms to benefit the poor farmers.

Food Production: As Agriculture Minister, played a key role in India’s Green Revolution, which made India self-sufficient in food grains.

Legacy

He is remembered as a champion of social equality and a symbol of empowerment for Dalits and the oppressed.

Every year, April 5th (his birthday) is celebrated as Babu Jagjivan Ram Jayanti.

Many institutions, roads, and parks across India are named after him to honor his memory.

Famous Quotes

One of his famous sayings:

"I do not believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right."