Babu Jagjivan Ram (April 5, 1908 – July 6, 1986) was an Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician, known for advocating the rights of the oppressed.
Early Life
– Born in Chandwa village, Bihar, to a Dalit family.
– Father: Shobhi Ram, an ex-British Indian Army soldier.
– Excelled academically despite caste discrimination.
– Graduated with a B.Sc.
from the University of Calcutta in 1931.
– Actively organized protests against social discrimination during his education at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Contributions
– Founded organizations for Dalit rights and social justice (e.g., All-India Depressed Classes League).
– Advocated for social justice in the Indian Constitution as a member of the Constituent Assembly.
– Played a key role in the Green Revolution and the Indo-Pak war of 1971 (as Defence Minister).
– Organized rural labor movements and modernized agriculture