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.
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) |
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.
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
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