Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: Know the date, history and significance of BR Ambedkar's contributions

Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Every year on December 6, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is in remembrance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a visionary leader. Today commemorates the anniversary of his passing and honours his enormous achievements in building a society that is more equitable and just. Dr. Ambedkar devoted his life to helping underprivileged people and combating prejudice based on caste. As a scholar, human rights activist, and social reformer, he was instrumental in forming contemporary India. His work made it possible for the Indian Constitution to be based on the values of justice, equality, and liberty. People all around the nation honours his legacy on this day by praying, getting together, and talking about his vision and beliefs. In addition to honouring his life, Mahaparinirvan Diwas serves as a reminder to keep pursuing Dr. Ambedkar's goal of an egalitarian and just society.

When was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born?

On April 14, 1891, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in Mhow, in the Central Provinces (present-day Madhya Pradesh). He was an Indian lawyer, economist, politician, and social reformer who was also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Why Dr BR Ambedkar is famous in India?

Credit: Andhra University

In India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is well-known for advocating for justice and equality. He is credited for making the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all citizens irrespective of gender, caste, or religion. He devoted his life to fighting caste prejudice and improving the lot of underprivileged groups, particularly Dalits. In addition, Dr. Ambedkar was a shining scholar, social reformer, and leader who supported universal education, human rights, and empowerment. Millions of people are still inspired by him today because of his efforts to advance social justice and combat injustice, which have made him a symbol of change and hope in India.

What is Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

One of Buddhism's core ideas is the state of Parinirvana. It represents a person who has achieved nirvana, or liberation, in this life and the next. Parinirvan is the Sanskrit term for achieving nirvana after death, or the soul's release from the body after death. This Pali term, "Parinibbana," refers to the achievement of nirvana. According to the Buddhist literature Mahaparinibbana Sutta, Lord Buddha's death at 80 is considered the first instance of Mahaparinirvana. Often perceived as anti-religious, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a Buddhist. said "I will not die a Hindu" and died on December 6, 1956, a little under two months after becoming a Buddhist. Because Babasaheb Ambedkar was a highly esteemed Buddhist leader, his death date is also known as Mahaparinirvana Diwas. As a result, it is believed that Babasaheb Ambedkar's incalculable contribution to society is celebrated on December 6.

Significance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Credit: Supreme Court of India

The term "Mahaparinirvan" has its roots in Buddhist philosophy. It stands for the ultimate state of freedom and escapes from the cycle of mortality and reincarnation (samsara). It represents the attainment of complete peace and light. Every year on December 6, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed to honour the life of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a social justice activist and the drafter of the Indian Constitution. In addition to commemorating his lasting impact in encouraging equality and human rights and assisting marginalized populations, the day represents his change to eternal peace. It is a day for reflection, remembering, and a reaffirmation of the commitment to his goal of an equitable and welcoming community.

B.R. Ambedkar's role in the constitution of India

The chairman of the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution was Dr. Ambedkar. Among his notable accomplishments are:

Social Equality: Advocated for the establishment of fundamental rights and the abolition of untouchability.

Encouraged an independent judiciary free from political influence: Ambedkar advocated for an independent judiciary free from political control.

Defended the rights of minorities: Pushed for reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) to guarantee them access to employment and education.

Contribution of B.R. Ambedkar to the Dalit Movement

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Dr. Ambedkar played a vital role in the Dalit movement, which aimed to uplift underprivileged groups.

Fought Discrimination: Promoted the abolition of untouchability and discrimination based on caste.

Temple Entry Movement: Started working to allow Dalits to enter temples that are open to the public.

Education: Stressed the importance of education in fostering social empowerment.

Buddhism Conversion: Encouraged Dalits to convert to Buddhism in order to avoid caste prejudice.

Contribution of Dr. B R Ambedkar to India¡¯s Development

It is generally known that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar advocated for the rights of the poor, empowered them, and heard their concerns. Among his noteworthy contributions to the advancement of the country are:

• BR Ambedkar's most significant contribution to India was his struggle against untouchability. During his school years, he encountered discrimination due to his Dalit identity, which sowed the seeds in him.
• The Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha was established in Mumbai in 1924 by Ambedkar in an attempt to educate and solve the issues of the untouchables.
• Ambedkar battled to guarantee Dalits the same access to water as members of higher castes.
• To defend untouchables' access to temples, he launched a campaign against Hindu Brahmins.
• Ambedkar agreed to provide the downtrodden classes special seats in the legislature when he signed the Poona Pact on September 25, 1932. They were referred to as Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
• In his book Annihilation of Caste, he vehemently opposed the Hindu caste system, which he loathed.
• Ambedkar was a lawyer. He became India's first Minister of Law and Justice after helping to create the country's constitution.
• About 5 lakh of Ambedkar's supporters converted to Buddhism when he became a Buddhist on October 14, 1956. He died on December 6th of that year.

Holiday declared for Mahaparinirvan Diwas

In observance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's passing, the Maharashtra government declared Friday, December 6, a public holiday. In Mumbai and the neighboring areas, banks, schools, and liquor stores will remain closed.

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