The recent commemoration of the 113th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram by the Indian Prime Minister brings into focus the lifelong commitment that Babuji, as he was popularly known, displayed towards social justice and fighting for the rights of depressed classes. With a political career spanning from the pre-independence era to the post-independence government reshaping India, Babu Jagjivan Ram has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Early Life and Education of Babu Jagjivan Ram
Born on 5th April 1908 in Chandwa, Bihar, to a Dalit family, Jagjivan Ram faced his first experiences of discrimination during his school years in Arrah. The discriminatory practice of designating him ‘untouchable’ and making him drink water from a separate pot did not deter him. Instead, it sparked in him a determination to protest against such prejudiced norms. His first act of rebellion was breaking the ‘untouchable’s’ pot, which led to the removal of this discriminatory practice in his school.
Jagjivan Ram’s quest for education took him to Banaras Hindu University at the invitation of scholar Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and later to the University of Calcutta, where he earned a B.Sc. degree in 1931. Despite facing discrimination, he relentlessly championed the cause of the scheduled castes, organizing protests against their social boycott and injustice. He also mobilized Ravidas Sammelans and celebrated Guru Ravidas Jayanti across several areas in Kolkata.
Pre-Independence Contributions
In 1931, Jagjivan Ram joined the Indian National Congress and became instrumental in founding the All India Depressed Classes League in 1934-35, aiming at achieving equality for untouchables. His tireless efforts for social equality and equal rights led to his proposal at a Hindu Mahasabha session in 1935 for opening drinking water wells and temples to untouchables.
He also appeared before the Hammond Commission at Ranchi in 1935 and demanded voting rights for Dalits, marking a first in Indian history. Jagjivan Ram was incarcerated twice during the early 1940s for his role in the Quit India movement against British rule.
Post-Independence Contributions
With India’s independence, Jagjivan Ram rose to prominence in Jawaharlal Nehru’s provisional government as its youngest minister. He held the labor portfolio until 1952 and later served as the minister for communications, transport and railways, and transport and communications. His service continued as the minister for food and agriculture and was later appointed the minister of defense during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
In 1977, he left the Congress to join the Janata Party alliance with his Congress for Democracy. He went on to serve as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Jagjivan Ram’s political career is marked by remarkable records – serving as a member of the Parliament uninterrupted for 40 years, a world record, and being the longest-serving cabinet minister in India with a tenure of 30 years.
Death and Legacy
Jagjivan Ram passed away on 6th July 1986 in New Delhi. His cremation site has been memorialized as Samta Sthal, translating to ‘Place of Equality’, a fitting tribute to his lifelong struggle for social justice and equality. Today, Babu Jagjivan Ram’s legacy continues to inspire millions in their fight against social discrimination and their pursuit of justice and equality.
Last Modified: February 11, 2024