Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

GS1 – Modern India

Context:
Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6 to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary.

Significance of “Mahaparinirvan”:
The term originates from Buddhist scriptures, referring to Lord Buddha’s passing, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

About Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

1. Early Career and Challenges
   • Appointed as Military Secretary to the Maharaja of Baroda, but returned to Bombay after facing caste-based discrimination.
2. Recognition in Buddhism
   • Honored with the title “Bodhisattva” during the Jagatik Buddhism Council in 1954, held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
3. Advocate for the Oppressed
   • Launched newspapers such as Mooknayak and Bahiskrit Bharat to address the issues of marginalized communities.
   • Established the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in 1923 to promote social and economic upliftment.
4. Social Reform Movements
   • Led the Mahad March (1927) to demand Dalits’ access to public water sources.
   • Organized the Kalaram Temple entry movement (1930) to challenge caste discrimination.
5. Role in Poona Pact (1932)
   • Advocated for the replacement of separate electorates with reserved seats for Dalits in legislatures.
6. Political and Economic Contributions
   • Founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936 to represent laborers and the oppressed classes.
   • His doctoral research influenced the creation of the Finance Commission of India and the Reserve Bank of India.
7. Religious Transformation
   • Declared his intention to leave Hinduism at the Yeola Conference (1935) and converted to Buddhism with thousands of followers in Nagpur, 1956.
   • Played a pivotal role in the Dalit Buddhist Movement, fostering mass conversions to Buddhism.
8. Constitutional Legacy
   • As India’s first Law Minister, he was instrumental in drafting the Constitution, emphasizing equality and protection for marginalized communities, including SCs, STs, and OBCs.
9. Vision for Infrastructure and Resource Management
   • Championed key projects such as the Damodar Valley Project, Hirakud Dam, and Sone River Project and conceptualized initiatives like Employment Exchanges and the National Power Grid.
10. Awards and Publications

• Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
• Authored influential works, including Who Were the Shudras? and The Problem of the Rupee.

Note:
Dr. Ambedkar’s recognition as a Bodhisattva highlights his journey toward enlightenment and his efforts to uplift marginalized communities.