14th April – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar jayanti
Ambedkar jayanti or Bhim jayanti is an annual festival observed on 14th April to commemorate the memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It marks Ambedkar’s birthday in 1891 and is a public holiday throughout India. It is celebrated throughout the world especially by Dalits who embraced Buddhism after his example. Dr. Ambedkar jayanti is celebrated not only in Indiq but also in abroad : significantly in United kingdom, United States etc. Bhimrao Ambedkar popularly known as Baba saheb, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social discrimination against untouchables (Dalits) while also supporting the rights of women and labour. He was Independent India’s first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of Tndia. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was a prolific student, earning doctorates in economics from both columbia University and london school of economics, and gained a reputation as a scholar for his search in law, economics and political science. In his early career he was an economist, professor and lawyer. In 1956 he concerted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits. In 1990,the Bharat ratan, India’s highest civilian award was posthumously conferred upon Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- INDIA 121 BY KANIKA GAUTAM
