Celebrated to commemorate the pioneer of the Dalit movement, Dr BR Ambedkar, Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti, is an annual festival observed in April 14. Popularly called Baba Saheb, he was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer prominently known for campaigning against social discrimination against Dalits, and supporting the rights of women, and labour.
Ambedkar was Independent India's first law minister, and the principal architect of the Constitution of India. He left behind a legacy filled with socio-political reforms. Ambedkar staunchly believed in freedom and criticised caste society. There are several institutions currently named in his honour. The leader's initiatives are known to influence India's socio-economic policies, education, and affirmative action through socio-economic and legal incentives.
Several political parties, and workers' unions have based their ideologies on his political philosophy, especially in Maharashtra. His conversion into Buddhism has also played an important role in the way Indians the religion, and boosted their interest in Buddhist philosophy. Every year, on Ambedkar Jayanti, processions are carried out several organisations in his memory. It is also customary for the President, the Prime Minister, and political leaders to pay homage at the Statue of Ambedkar at the Parliament of India, in the National Capital.
Not only in India, his Day is celebrated throughout the world, especially by Dalits who consider him their leader. The Indian communities in the UK and USA prominently celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti.
