Ambedkar Jayanti 2026 is observed on 14 April to commemorate the 135th birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb. The day honours his immense contributions to social justice, constitutional development, and upliftment of marginalized communities, and is celebrated across India by both Central and State Governments to spread awareness about his legacy.
About Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Born on 14 April 1891 at Mhow
- Eminent jurist, economist, and social reformer
- Known as the Architect of the Indian Constitution
- Described by Mahatma Gandhi as a “patriot of sterling worth”
Education and Early Life
- Primary education: Satara, Maharashtra
- Schooling: Elphinstone High School, Bombay
- Graduation: Bombay University (1912): Economics & Political Science
- Higher studies:
- Columbia University (USA): MA & PhD (Scholarship by Sayajirao Gaikwad)
- London School of Economics (LSE): Economics
- Gray’s Inn: Law
Despite facing caste-based discrimination, he excelled academically. His autobiographical work “Waiting for a Visa” reflects these experiences.
Political and Administrative Career
- Founder of Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1924)
- Led Mahad Satyagraha (1927) for equal access to public resources
- Member of Bombay Legislative Council
- Participated in Round Table Conferences (1930–32)
- Labour Member in Viceroy’s Executive Council (1942–46)
- Member of Constituent Assembly (1946)
- First Law Minister of India (1947)
- Member of Rajya Sabha (1952)
Role in Economic and Institutional Development
- Contributed to the formation of Reserve Bank of India
- Based on ideas presented to Hilton Young Commission
- Authored “The Problem of the Rupee”
Social Reform Movements
- Fought against untouchability and caste discrimination
- Launched newspaper Bahiskrit Bharat (1927)
- Advocated rights of Scheduled Castes and oppressed communities
Later Life and Legacy
- Principal, Government Law College, Mumbai (1935)
- Converted to Buddhism on 14 October 1956 at Nagpur
- Conferred title “Bodhisattva” (1954, Kathmandu)
- Passed away on 6 December 1956
- Awarded Bharat Ratna (1990, posthumous)
Major Contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Architect of Indian Constitution
- Chairman of Drafting Committee
- Ensured Fundamental Rights, equality, and social justice
Abolition of Untouchability
- Led to Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955
Affirmative Action
Introduced reservation system for SC/ST in:
- Education
- Employment
- Political representation
Labour Reforms
Introduced:
- Minimum wages
- Fixed working hours
- Maternity benefits
Women Empowerment
Advocated Hindu Code Bill for:
- Equal inheritance rights
- Marriage and divorce reforms
Social & Spiritual Reform
- Led Dalit Buddhist Movement (1956)
- Promoted dignity and equality beyond caste system