New Delhi: Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti is marked annually on April 14 in order to pay homage to the father of the Constitution of India, Dr BR Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar. 


Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was a politician, economist, philosopher, anthropologist, jurist and social reformer, who fought for the rights of Dalits and against the caste system. He was also a strong supporter of women’s and labour rights.


April 14 is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti or Equality Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of the advocate of social rights. This year, the day falls on Thursday.


History


Bhim Jayanti was first observed in 1928 in Pune by Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay, a follower of Ambedkar and a social activist, and it was declared a public holiday in more than 25 Indian states and union territories. He started the tradition of celebrating Ambedkar’s birth anniversary as Ambedkar Jayanti and since then, India commemorates Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti as an official public holiday every year on April 14. 


Significance


On Ambedkar Jayanti, all important leaders of the country, including the Prime Minister and President, pay homage to Ambedkar’s statue in the Parliament.


Babasaheb had inspired people to expand the agricultural and educational sectors as well as the health community and industrial operations in the country. Processions and competitions, plays, and theatrical adaptations based on the life of Ambedkar are held at various institutions on this day.


This day is celebrated to mark Babasaheb's contribution to the upliftment of the underprivileged.


On this day, the devotees of Babasaheb hold a procession to Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai and Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur.


Top 10 Motivational quotes by Ambedkar



  1. The history of India is nothing but a history of a mortal conflict between Buddhism and Brahminism

  2. History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them

  3. I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved

  4. If you believe in living a respectable life, you believe in self-help which is the best help

  5. I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity

  6. A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of society

  7. Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence

  8. Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government

  9. Though I was born a Hindu, I solemnly assure you that I will not die as a Hindu

  10. Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die