| Introduction | 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, particularly during the 1974 drought. |
| Organizations Founded | – Akhil Bharatiya Ravidas Mahasabha (1934): Religious and social reform organization for Guru Ravidas’s followers. |
| – All-India Depressed Classes League (1935): Dedicated to Dalit equality and mobilizing the oppressed in the national movement. |
| – Khetihar Mazdoor Sabha (1937): Focused on agricultural laborers’ rights and welfare. |
| – Congress for Democracy (1977): Political party advocating for democratic reforms, later merged with Janata Party. |
| Notable Works/Books | – “Caste Challenge in India”: Collection of speeches and writings on social discrimination and equality. |
| – Foreword for “Who Were the Shudras?” by B.R. Ambedkar. |
| Legacy | – Remembered as a champion for Dalit rights and social justice. |
| – His work continues to inspire generations in India. |
