Equality Day in India: Know History, Significance, Contributions and All About It

Equality Day in India 2024: Equality Day in India is observed on April 14  annually. The day marks the birth anniversary of the 'Architect of the Indian Constitution', Dr B.R Ambedkar. And this year we are celebrating his 133rd birthday. No less than a festival, all groups and communities celebrate the day in all states and union territories of the country. Dr. Ambedkar's lifelong fight for equality for all, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, is celebrated on this day.

Why is April 14 celebrated as Equality Day in India?

On April 14, Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti is held to honour the memory of Indian politician and social reformer B. R. Ambedkar. In accordance with Rule 110 of the Assembly, Minister MK Stalin said in the year 2022 that the state of Tamil Nadu would observe April 14 as "Samathuva Naal," or "Equality Day," in honour of BR Ambedkar.

This choice was made to honour Babasaheb's efforts to put an end to caste- and religion-based discrimination. To bring about change in Indian society, Bharat Ratna Ambedkar suggested adopting the Uniform Civil Code. He emphasised equality in terms of religion, gender, and caste.

In addition to this, he took part in all three London Round Table conferences. His proposal for a separate electorate for the untouchables was rejected by Gandhiji, which resulted in the Poona Pact in 1932. 

Dr. Ambedkar's most significant contribution to equality is undoubtedly his role as the chairman of the drafting committee for the Indian Constitution.  The Constitution he helped create established India as a secular, democratic republic with fundamental rights guaranteeing equality for all citizens.

Ambedkar Jayanti 2024: Know 35 Amazing Facts about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Dr B.R Ambedkar and his significant contributions

Dr Ambedkar was a wonderful liberal fighter who recognised the Dalit Movement's lack of doctrine and gave it the required support. He raised awareness about living a gracious life among the downtrodden classes.

• Ambedkar advocated for the creation of a separate electoral system for the Untouchables and other outcast groups in his testimony before the Southborough Committee in 1919 as part of the preparations for the Government of India Act.

• Shahaji II, the Maharaja of Kolhapur, helped Ambedkar create the newspaper "Mooknayaka" (leader of the Silent) in 1920. 

• He founded the "Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha" (Association for the Welfare of Outcastes) in 1923.

• By 1927, Ambedkar had started organised campaigns for Dalit rights, calling for public water supplies accessible to all and the right of all castes to join temples.

• Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact in 1932.

• In 1930, he spoke on behalf of the Untouchables at the Round Table Conference. The Harijans received a seat reservation in the elections as a result of his tireless work and perseverance.

MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, took the equality day pledge on the eve of Dr B. R. Ambedkar's 132nd birthday. Take a glimpse of the event through the tweets below.

#Live: புரட்சியாளர் அண்ணல் அம்பேத்கர் பிறந்தநாளை முன்னிட்டு 'சமத்துவ நாள்' உறுதிமொழியேற்பு https://t.co/rZ23wBdndE

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 13, 2023

பிறப்பால் உயர்வு தாழ்வு கற்பித்துப் பிற்போக்குத்தனங்களில் மூழ்கியிருந்த இந்தச் சமூகத்தில் அறிவொளி ஏற்றிட்ட புத்துலக புத்தர் புரட்சியாளர் அம்பேத்கரின் இலட்சியங்களை நெஞ்சிலேந்தி, #சமத்துவநாள் உறுதிமொழியேற்று போற்றினேன்.

சமத்துவம், சனாதனத்தின் எதிர்ச்சொல்! மானுடத்தின் பொருள்! pic.twitter.com/FC353cH1ip

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 14, 2023

Dr Ambedkar spent his entire life leading a crusade against the wrongs of the caste system in an effort to eradicate caste. Being a Dalit, he made every attempt to alter Indian society's hierarchical structures, restore equal rights and justice for the underprivileged, and end untouchability. He argued for a society built upon the three core values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. On the occasion of the anniversary of his birth, we should make a commitment to continue down his road in order to uplift the nation.

Happy Equality Day 2023!!

Ambedkar Jayanti 2023: Images, Quotes, Short Speech to Celebrate Equality Day