Mahaparinirvana Diwas: Death Anniversary of BR Ambedkar

Table of Contents

Mahaparinirvana Diwas- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 1: Indian History: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

Mahaparinirvana Diwas- Context

Recently, ‘Mahaparinirvana Diwas’ was observed nationwide on the 66th death Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar (BR Ambedkar).

The Editorial Analysis- The Need to Reopen Anganwadis

Mahaparinirvana Diwas

About: Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6, 2021, as part of the major commemoration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Key Activities
- Ambedkar Foundation displayed a documentary film highlighting the importance of Panchtirthas, associated with Baba Saheb.
- A special book named “Social Justice and Empowerment: Reflections from Dr. Ambedkar Chairs” was launched by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- A brochure was released on Ambedkar’s Panchteerthas and schemes and scholarships for Scheduled Caste students by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
‘Shreshtha Yojna’ and National Fellowship Management and Grievance redressal portal was also launched.
- Shreshtha Yojna: It will aid socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes students by providing quality residential education in reputed private schools.
- National Fellowship Management and Grievance redressal Portal: It was launched with a view to enabling an area-based development approach. The initiative aims at integrated development of Scheduled Castes majority villages.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy- Indian Social Reformer

Mahaparinirvana Diwas- Key Points about Dr. BR Ambedkar

About: BR Ambedkar was an Indian philosopher, political leader, writer, economist, socio-religious reformer and best known as one of the main architects of the Indian Constitution.
- He is popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar.
- BR Ambedkar faced many injustices and discrimination in society as he was born in a caste that was considered untouchable in contemporary society.
- His work was centered around eliminating the caste-based discriminations in society and motivated the Dalits to organize and demand their rights.
Birth and Death: Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Madhya Pradesh in Hindu Mahar Caste.
- Babasaheb Ambedkar died on 6 December 1956 in Delhi, India.
BR Ambedkar Education: He was an economist and had doctoral degrees in economics from Columbia University and the London School of Economics.
Important works of BR Ambedkar: Mook Nayak (weekly) 1920; Janta (weekly) 1930; The Annihilation of Caste 1936; Pakistan or the Partition of India; ‘Buddha and His Dharma’; The Untouchables 1948; Buddha or Karl Marx 1956, etc.
Other Key Facts:
- ‘Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association)’ was launched by BR Ambedkar in 1923 for spreading education and culture amongst the downtrodden.
- Ambedkar attended all the three Round Table Conferences (1930-32) in London representing the interests of the Untouchables of the Indian Society.
- Ambedkar became the first Law Minister in 1947 under the Congress-led government.
- BR Ambedkar was appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1952 and remained a member till his death.
- BR Ambedkar was bestowed with Bharat Ratna in 1990.