Ambedkar Jayanti 2021: Date, significance and Importance of this day; banks to remain closed on April 14

Ambedkar Jayanti 2021 on 14 April: It marks the birthday of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, Father of the Constitution of India and civil rights activist, who was born on April 14, 1891. The day is also known as Bhim Jayanti and banks remain closed on Ambedkar Jayanti.

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly remembered as the Father of the Constitution of India, played a crucial role in shaping the vibrant democratic structure that India prides itself upon. His birthday is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti on April 14 every year. The day is also commemorated as Equality Day across the country.

'Baba Saheb' Ambedkar was born in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh on April 14, 1891, to army officer Ramji Maloji Sakpal and Bhimabai Sakpal. Belonging to the Mahar (Dalit) caste, he had to face the evil of untouchability since his school day.

Ambedkar rose above the discrimination and went on to complete his doctorates in economics from both Columbia University and London School of Economics. Early in his career he worked as an economist, professor and lawyer. He inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned extensively against discrimination against Dalits.

Ambedkar went on to become the Minister for Labour in Viceroy's Executive Council during the British Raj. After Independence, he was named the first Minister for Law and Justice.  He was then appointed as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Throughout his life, Ambedkar championed the cause of equality, be it in the underprivileged social classes or women. He strongly believed that inequalities like the caste system are detrimental to the democracy. He incorporated his vision of equal rights for all into several laws laid down in the Constitution.