The Mahaparinirvan Diwas is annually observed across India on 6th December to mark the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who died on 6th December 1956 in Delhi. He is fondly remembered as “Babasaheb” and ‘The Father of Indian Constitution’.
- 6th December 2021 marks the observance of the 65th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
- The 2021 Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed as a part of the commemoration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Background:
i.Babasaheb was regarded as a Buddhist guru due to efforts to eradicate the social scourge of untouchability in India.
ii.His admirers and followers observed his death anniversary as the Mahaparinirvana Diwas, as he renounced Hinduism and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement in India.
Events:
i.The programs and events related to the Mahaparinirvan Diwas will be held at various Ambedkar Chairs, Ambedkar Bhawans, and Ambedkar Parks, in addition to Parliament House and the Dr Ambedkar International Center and Dr Ambedkar National Memorial.
ii.Programs will also be held by the Ministry of External Affairs at the Dr Ambedkar Memorial in London, United Kingdom.
Panchteerth:
i.Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, has declared 5 important places associated with Babasaheb’s life as Panchteerth.
ii.On the occasion of the Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the documentary film produced by Dr Ambedkar Foundation, featuring the importance of these 5 places will be screened at Dr Ambedkar International Center and other places.
About Dr BR Ambedkar
i.Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was chairman of the seven members “drafting committee” that prepared the draft of the Constitution of independent India.
ii.He has also served as the Minister of Law and Justice in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru from 1947 to 1951.
iii.The government of India honoured him(posthumously) with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for public affairs in 1990.
iv.His autobiography “Waiting for a Visa”, is used as a textbook in Columbia University.
Additional info:
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 5th International Ambedkar Conclave, being organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians and Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce on 2nd December 2021 in New Delhi.
