Jagjivan Ram Biography: Jagjivan Ram, affectionately known as Babuji, was an Indian icon who wore many hats: freedom fighter, politician, and champion of social justice. Born into a Dalit family in 1908, he defied societal barriers to get an education, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He joined the Indian National Congress and actively fought for India’s independence, even facing imprisonment for his activism.
After independence, he became a prominent figure in Indian politics, holding key ministerial positions like Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister. Throughout his career, he relentlessly advocated for the upliftment of Dalits, co-founding the All-India Depressed Classes League and working tirelessly to abolish untouchability. Remembered for his unwavering commitment to equality and social justice, Jagjivan Ram’s legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Jagjivan Ram Biography
Full name | Jagjivan Ram |
Date of birth | April 5, 1908 |
Died | 6 July 1986 (aged 78) New Delhi, NCT of Delhi, India |
Native | Arrah, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Bihar, India) |
Profession | freedom fighter, politician, and champion of social justice |
Father name | Sobhi Ram |
Mother name | Vasanti Devi |
Married | Yes |
Spouse | Indrani Devi |
Children | Suresh Kumar Meira Kumar |
Education Qualification | Bachelor of Science degree |
College or University | University of Calcutta. |
Nationality | Indian |
Political party | Indian National Congress-Jagjivan (1981โ1986) |
Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (Before 1977) Congress for Democracy (1977) Janata Party (1977โ1981) |
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Early Life and Education:
- Jagjivan Ram was born into a Chamar family, which belonged to the Dalit community, formerly known as untouchables. Despite facing discrimination due to his caste, he managed to get an education.
- He attended a local school in Chandwa and later went to Arrah Town School.
- Impressed by his intellect, Madan Mohan Malviya invited him to study at the Banaras Hindu University.
- In 1931, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calcutta.
Political Career:
- Jagjivan Ram joined the Indian National Congress in 1931 and actively participated in the Indian independence movement.
- He was imprisoned twice for his involvement in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
- In 1935, he co-founded the All-India Depressed Classes League, an organization dedicated to attaining equality for Dalits.
- After India’s independence in 1947, Jagjivan Ram held various ministerial positions in the central government, including:
- Minister of Labour (1946-1952)
- Minister of Communications (1952-1956)
- Minister of Transport and Railways (1956-1962)
- Minister of Food and Agriculture (1962-1967)
- Minister of Defence (1970-1974, 1977-1979)
- Deputy Prime Minister of India (1979-1980)
- He was also elected to theย Lok Sabhaย (lower house of the Indian Parliament) for ten terms, representing the constituencies of Sasaram and Chapra.
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Personal Life:
- Jagjivan Ram was married toย Indrani Deviย from 1935 until he died in 1986.
- They had two children: a son, Suresh Kumar, and a daughter, Meira Kumar
- Meira Kumar later became the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha (2009-2014).
Legacy:
- Jagjivan Ram is remembered as a champion of social justice and Dalit rights.
- He played a key role in the abolition of untouchability in India.
- He is also considered one of the most important politicians of his generation.
Jagjivan Ram Social media Accounts
Wikipedia | Click here |
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