- 14 April every year
- Born in 1891 in Mhow
- Chief architect of the Constitution
- Public holiday in many states
Where it began
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, in present day Madhya Pradesh. He faced great hardship as a child but studied with deep dedication, earning degrees from Columbia University in New York and the London School of Economics.
He spent his life working for social justice, education and equal rights, especially for those who had been held back by caste. He was a lawyer, an economist, a writer and a teacher, and people lovingly call him Babasaheb.
After independence he became the first Law Minister of India and chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. In 1956 he embraced Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur with a very large gathering. He passed away later that year, and was given the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
How it grew over time
1891
Ambedkar is born in Mhow on 14 April.
1910s and 1920s
He studies in New York and London, then returns to India to work for equal rights.
1947 to 1949
He leads the Drafting Committee that writes the Constitution of India.
1956
He embraces Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur and passes away in December.
1990
He is honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India.
Today
His birthday is a holiday in many states and is celebrated as a festival of equality.
How it is celebrated in different places
Mumbai
Huge crowds visit Chaitya Bhoomi, his memorial by the sea, to offer flowers and candles.
Nagpur
Deekshabhoomi fills with visitors, and processions with blue flags move through the city.
New Delhi
Leaders pay tribute at his statue in the Parliament complex.
Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
His birthplace memorial welcomes visitors from across the country.
Abroad
Communities in the US, UK, Canada and Australia hold talks, book readings and cultural evenings.
Ambedkar Jayanti moments
Ambedkar Jayanti today
Streets come alive with processions, music and blue flags, and people greet each other with Jai Bhim. Statues and portraits of Ambedkar are decorated with garlands.
Many people mark the day by reading the Constitution, buying books, holding study sessions and giving to schools, in honour of his message to educate, agitate and organise.
