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PCS ParikshanNational Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr Ambedkar
Why in News?
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
Key Points
- About: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on 6th December to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
- It honours his legacy, emphasising his transformative impact on social reform, justice, and equality.
- The term "Mahaparinirvan" stems from Buddhist philosophy, symbolising liberation from the cycle of birth and death, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar.
- Key Contributions:
- Upliftment: Founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923) to promote education, improve socio-economic conditions, and empower outcast communities.
- Advocacy: Established the newspaper Mooknayaka (Leader of the Silent) to provide a platform for the oppressed and challenge societal inequalities.
- Equality: Spearheaded landmark movements, including the Mahad Satyagraha (1927), advocating for equal access to public water resources.
- Liberation: Led the Kalaram Temple entry movement in 1930 (Nashik Satyagraha) to break caste-based restrictions in places of worship, symbolising a broader fight against untouchability.
- Representation: Played a pivotal role in negotiating the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats, paving the way for their political representation.
- Constitution: As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee appointed in 1947, Dr Ambedkar oversaw the meticulous process of crafting the world’s largest written Constitution.
- Economics: Dr Ambedkar’s doctoral thesis influenced the creation of the Finance Commission of India and the policy framework for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934.
- Awards and Recognition:
- Bharat Ratna Award: Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990.
- Ambedkar Circuit: Five places associated with Ambedkar’s life were developed as pilgrimage centers (Panchteerth Development):
- Birthplace in Mhow
- Memorial in London (Shiksha Bhoomi)
- Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur
- Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai
- Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi in Delhi
- Constitution Day: Since 2015, 26th November is observed as Constitution Day, commemorating Ambedkar’s role as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
