Samata Diwas is celebrated every year on April 5 to remember the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, a great leader and social reformer. He worked hard for equality and justice in society. This day is a public holiday in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. People remember his work and take inspiration to fight against discrimination and injustice.
Who was Babu Jagjivan Ram?
Babu Jagjivan Ram, lovingly called “Babuji,” was a freedom fighter, a social justice leader and a great speaker. He worked for the rights of depressed and backward classes. He was also a member of Parliament for 50 years and served as a Union Minister for 30 years, which is a record in Indian politics.
Why is Samata Diwas Celebrated?
Samata Diwas is celebrated to honour Babuji’s efforts of equality and justice. The word ‘Samata’ means equality and this day motivates people to raise their voices against untouchability, casteism, and unfair treatment in society.
Early Life and Education of Samata Diwas
Babu Jagjivan Ram was born on April 5, 1908, in Chandwa village, Bihar. His father was a religious person and a Mahant. After his father died, his mother raised him. From a young age, Jagjivan faced untouchability and social discrimination.
He completed his schooling at Arrah Town School with excellent marks. Later, he studied at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and then earned a BSc degree from the University of Calcutta. During his college life, he joined Gandhiji’s anti-untouchability campaign and began raising awareness about social equality.
Jagjivan Ram – Family Life
Jagjivan Ram’s first wife passed away in 1933. He later married Indrani Devi, daughter of a social worker from Kanpur. They had two children – Suresh Kumar and Meira Kumar, who also became a politician and served as Lok Sabha Speaker.
Struggles Against Discrimination
As a child, Jagjivan Ram was not allowed to drink water from the same pot as others because of his caste. He protested by breaking the separate pot, which led to a change in school rules. This showed his strong will to fight injustice.
He met Pandit Madan Malaviya in 1925 and joined BHU. There too, he faced discrimination, which made him more determined to fight for equal rights.
Work for Social Equality
In 1934, Babuji founded the Akhil Bharatiya Ravidas Mahasabha and the All Indian Depressed Classes League. He worked to bring unity among the Scheduled Castes and uplift them. He also supported the idea that temples and wells should be open to all, including untouchables.
Role in the Freedom Struggle
Jagjivan Ram actively took part in India’s freedom movement. He was arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1940 and again in 1942 during the Quit India Movement.
After India got freedom, he became the first Labour Minister. He also worked in many important departments like Railways, Agriculture, Defence and Communication. He was the Defence Minister during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Political Career and Achievements
- In 1936, he became a member of the Bihar Legislative Council at just 28 years old.
- In 1977, he was made the Deputy Prime Minister of India.
- He was a Member of Parliament for 50 years without a break-a world record.
- He was known for being a strong leader who always stood for the poor and backward communities.
Death and Memorial
Babu Jagjivan Ram passed away on July 6, 1986. His cremation place is called ‘Samata Sthal’ in Delhi. In 2008, India celebrated his birth centenary with great respect.
Significance of Samata Diwas
Samata Diwas is important because it honors the birth of Babu Jagjivan Ram, who fought for equality and justice in society. This day reminds people to stand against untouchability, caste discrimination and unfair treatment. It spreads the message of unity and equal rights for all. Samata Diwas inspires us to build a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
