Complete Biography Of Babu Jagjivan Ram
Babu Jagjivan Ram was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and politician who played a significant role in shaping India’s political landscape during the 20th century. Born on April 5, 1908, in Chandwa village of present-day Bihar, Babu Jagjivan Ram was the youngest of three sons of a family of modest means. Despite facing several obstacles, including poverty, caste discrimination, and lack of formal education, he emerged as a towering personality who championed the cause of the downtrodden and marginalized sections of society.
Early Life and Education:
Babu Jagjivan Ram was born into a family of “untouchables” or “Dalits,” who were considered to be the lowest rung of the caste system in India. His father, Shobhi Ram, was a landless farmer who worked as a sharecropper for a local zamindar (landlord). His mother, Vasanti Devi, was a homemaker who struggled to make ends meet. As a child, Jagjivan Ram had to face several challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Despite the odds, Jagjivan Ram was a bright student who excelled in his studies. He completed his early education at a local school in his village, where he showed a keen interest in learning. However, due to the prevailing social norms, he was not allowed to sit on the same bench as the upper-caste students. This discrimination fueled his desire to fight against the caste system and work toward the upliftment of the oppressed classes.
In 1925, Jagjivan Ram moved to Banaras (now Varanasi) to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he studied political science, economics, and sociology. Despite facing caste-based discrimination and financial difficulties, he completed his studies and obtained a degree in 1931.
Freedom Struggle:
During his student days at BHU, Jagjivan Ram was deeply influenced by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters who were fighting for India’s independence from British rule. He became an active member of the Congress Party and participated in several protests and agitations against the British government.
In 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, Jagjivan Ram played an active role in the protests. He organized satyagrahas and led processions to demand the release of political prisoners and the withdrawal of repressive laws. As a result of his activities, he was arrested several times and spent several months in jail.
In 1942, when the Quit India Movement was launched, Jagjivan Ram was once again at the forefront of the protests. He organized rallies, delivered speeches, and worked towards mobilizing the masses against the British government. His efforts earned him the title of “Frontier Gandhi,” and he emerged as a popular leader of the freedom struggle.
Complete Biography Of Babu Jagjivan Ram
Post-Independence Career:
After India gained independence in 1947, Jagjivan Ram continued to play an active role in politics. He was appointed as the Minister of Labour in the first cabinet of independent India, headed by Jawaharlal Nehru. As a minister, he introduced several reforms to improve the working conditions of laborers and workers in India.
In 1952, Jagjivan Ram was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, from the reserved constituency of Sasaram in Bihar. He continued to be re-elected from the same constituency for the next several decades, making him the longest-serving parliamentarian in Indian history. During his tenure in parliament, he served in various capacities, including as the Minister of Defence, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Jagjivan Ram was known for his commitment to social justice and the upliftment of marginalized communities. As a Dalit leader, he worked tirelessly to abolish the caste system and create a more equal society. He advocated for the rights of women, workers, and peasants, and played a key role in the implementation of the Mandal Commission, which recommended affirmative action for lower castes in education and employment.
Jagjivan Ram was also instrumental in promoting India’s agricultural sector. As the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, he introduced several policies to modernize farming practices and improve agricultural productivity. He emphasized the importance of small and marginal farmers and worked towards providing them with access to credit, seeds, and other resources. His efforts helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production, which was a major milestone in the country’s development.
Another area of focus for Jagjivan Ram was defense. As the Minister of Defense, he played a key role in modernizing India’s armed forces and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. He was instrumental in the establishment of several defense institutions, including the National Defense Academy (NDA) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Jagjivan Ram was also a staunch advocate of democracy and secularism. He believed in the importance of pluralism and tolerance and worked towards building a society where people of all religions and backgrounds could live together in peace and harmony. He played a key role in drafting India’s constitution and was a strong proponent of democratic values and institutions.
Jagjivan Ram’s contribution to Indian politics and society was recognized by several awards and honors. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2002, posthumously. He was also the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and the Magsaysay Award, among others.
Personal Life:
Jagjivan Ram was married to Indrani Devi, who was also a social worker and a member of the Congress Party. The couple had four children, two sons, and two daughters. Jagjivan Ram’s elder son, Suresh Ram, was also a politician who served as a member of parliament and a minister in the government of India.
Jagjivan Ram was known for his simple and austere lifestyle. He lived a frugal life and was deeply committed to the cause of social justice. He was a prolific writer and authored several books and articles on politics, society, and culture.
Complete Biography Of Babu Jagjivan Ram
Death:
Jagjivan Ram passed away on July 6, 1986, at the age of 78. He suffered a heart attack while attending a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in New Delhi. His death was a great loss to Indian politics and society, and he is remembered as one of India’s most illustrious leaders.
Legacy:
Babu Jagjivan Ram’s legacy continues to inspire people across India and the world. He was a champion of social justice and equality, and his tireless efforts toward the upliftment of marginalized communities continue to inspire people to this day. He played a key role in shaping India’s political landscape and was instrumental in the country’s development.
Jagjivan Ram’s contribution to Indian politics and society has been widely acknowledged, and he remains a revered figure in Indian history. His life and work continue to serve as a source of inspiration for people who are committed to the cause of social justice and equality.
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