Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar or simply B.R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. He played a key role in India’s freedom struggle and was also credited as the architect of the Indian Constitution. Most importantly, Ambedkar was a great social reformer and fought long and hard for the upliftment of Dalits or ‘untouchables’.
One of the first Dalits to get a college education in India, Ambedkar was a lawyer and earned multiple doctorates for his research in law, economics and political science. He spent his life fighting against the system of untouchability and the caste system. He is also credited for having sparked the Dalit Buddhist movement. Ambedkar was the chairman of the committee that drafted the constitution for independent India; he was also the first Law Minister.
On his birthday, various Dalit organisations carry out huge processions, and organise rallies, prayers, speeches and cultural programmes, to commemorate the great man.
And a Happy New Year!
Today is also the day that many communities in India celebrate as their New Year’s Day. It is called Baisakhi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, Poila Baishakh in West Bengal, Vishuva Sankranti in Orissa, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Vishu in Kerala.
We leave you with a glimpse of what the celebrations will be like, and wish a happy day!
No comments:
Post a Comment