Dr BR Ambedkar jayanti

India gears up to celebrate Dr BR Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the 134th anniversary of the birth of a man who redefined justice. Born in 1891 into a Dalit family, Babasaheb Ambedkar crafted the Indian Constitution and fought tirelessly for the underprivileged. This Monday will see over 25 states and union territories pause for a public holiday, a tradition since 2015, as millions honor his legacy.

The air already buzzes with anticipation. From bustling cities to quiet villages, people—Dalits, Adivasis, laborers, women—plan to garland his statues with flowers, a simple act heavy with respect. Cultural programs are taking shape, with talks and performances set to unpack his life’s work. It’s a day that feels alive, stitched together by the stories of those he lifted up and the principles he etched into India’s core.

Ambedkar’s journey started small—first celebrated as Bhim Jayanti in Pune in 1928 by activist Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay. It grew into a national heartbeat, driven by his education at Columbia University and his role as India’s first law minister. His Constitution, adopted in 1950, still stands as a bulwark for equality. The United Nations nodded to his global impact, marking the day in years past.

“A great man is ready to be the servant of society”— Dr B R Ambedkar