Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6th. The day marks the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, widely known as the Father of the Indian Constitution. As independent India’s first law minister, he played a pivotal role in creating the framework of our democracy. Beyond his political career, Dr. Ambedkar was a dynamic figure in many fields, including law, economics, and comparative religions. He was an accomplished social reformer, jurist, economist, author, polyglot orator, scholar, and thinker.
Dr. Ambedkar believed firmly in the cultivation of constitutional morality within Indian society, regarding it as a necessary sentiment to achieve genuine democratic values. His vision encompassed an egalitarian society where progress would be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieved.
Life and Achievements of Dr. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Central Province (currently Madhya Pradesh). He launched the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha in 1923, which aimed to promote education and socio-economic improvements amongst the less privileged. He led the iconic Mahad Satyagraha in March 1927 to challenge the regressive customs of Hindu society that discriminated against the untouchables.
Dr. Ambedkar also actively participated in all three Round Table Conferences. These platforms served as avenues for discussing and debating the future constitutional arrangements of British India.
A Look Back at the Round Table Conferences
The First Round Table Conference was convened on November 12, 1930, in London, although the Congress did not attend. Subsequently, Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin (Viceroy of India 1926-31) signed the Gandhi-Irwin pact in March 1931, marking the end of the Civil Disobedience Movement and enabling Congress participation in the Round Table Conference.
The Second Round Table Conference took place on September 7, 1931. The Third Round Table Conference was convened on November 17, 1932, with the goal of considering the reports of various sub-committees appointed periodically.
Key Highlights of Dr. Ambedkar’s Journey
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Signed the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi, leading to an increase in reserved seats for depressed classes |
| 1936 | Elected as a legislator to the Bombay Legislative Assembly |
| 1947 | Appointed as the Minister of Law in India’s first Cabinet post-independence |
| 1951 | Resigned from the cabinet over differences on the Hindu Code Bill |
| 1956 | Converted to Buddhism |
End of An Era and Legacy
In 1951, due to differences on the Hindu Code Bill, Dr. Ambedkar resigned from his ministerial position. Then in 1956, he converted to Buddhism as a form of protest against caste-based discrimination. His life journey concluded on December 6, 1956.
Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar, Mumbai, serves as a memorial to B.R. Ambedkar, reminding us of his invaluable contributions to India’s history and social fabric. The annual observation of Mahaparinirvan Diwas keeps his values and teachings alive, inspiring future generations to carry forward his vision for an inclusive, democratic India.
