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Babu Jagjivan Ram
Babu Jagjivan Ram, commonly known as Babuji, was a notable figure in India’s fight for independence and a respected politician from Bihar. He played a pivotal role in establishing the All India Depressed Classes League in 1935, an organization dedicated to achieving equality for untouchables. In 1937, he was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and later spearheaded the rural labor movement.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Contributions
In 1946, Babu Jagjivan Ram became the youngest minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet and served as the Labor Minister. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, where he worked to ensure social justice was a fundamental part of the Constitution.
Over the next three decades, he held various ministerial positions as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). Notably, he served as the Defense Minister during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Babu Jagjivan Ram contributions to the Green Revolution and modernization of Indian agriculture during his two tenures as the Union Agriculture Minister are still remembered, especially during the food crisis of 1974 when he played a crucial role.
While he supported Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency (1975–77), he later left Congress in 1977 to join the Janata Party alliance along with his Congress for Democracy. He subsequently served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India (1977–79) and in 1981, he established Congress (J).
At the time of Babu Jagjivan Ram passing away, he was the last surviving minister of the Interim Government and the sole surviving original member of the first cabinet of independent India. His remarkable service spanned over 30 years in various ministries, making him the longest-serving Indian federal minister in history.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Early Life
Babu Jagjivan Ram, hailing from the Chamar caste in the Indian Caste System, was born in Chandwa, Arrah, Bihar. He had an elder brother, Sant Lal, and three sisters. His father, Sobhi Ram, initially served in the British Indian Army in Peshawar but later quit and returned to Chandwa to work as a farmer. He also became a Mahant of the Shiv Narayani sect and used his calligraphy skills to create books for the sect.
Jagjivan started his education at a local school in January 1914. Tragically, his father passed away prematurely, leaving Jagjivan and his mother Vasanti Devi in a tough financial situation. In 1920, he joined Aggrawal Middle School in Arrah, which was the first time he was taught in English.
He later attended Arrah Town School in 1922, where he experienced caste discrimination for the first time but didn’t let it deter him. Notably, he stood up against a practice of segregating water pots by religion, breaking a pot twice in protest before the Principal abandoned the practice.
In 1925, a significant turning point occurred when Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya visited his school and was impressed by Jagjivan’s welcome address, inviting him to join the Banaras Hindu University.
Babu Jagjivan Ram excelled in his studies, passing his matriculation with first division honors and gaining admission to Banaras Hindu University in 1927. While at BHU, he actively organized the scheduled castes to protest against social discrimination.
As a Dalit student, he faced numerous challenges, including being denied basic services and experiencing discrimination by local barbers. Jagjivan Ram eventually left BHU and continued his education at Calcutta University, where he received a B. Sc. degree in 1931.
Throughout his educational journey, he continually drew attention to the issues of discrimination and actively participated in the anti-untouchability movement started by Mahatma Gandhi.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Early Career
In 1928, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose noticed him in Kolkata when he organized a Mazdoor Rally at Wellington Square, with around 50,000 participants. During the devastating 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake, he actively engaged in relief efforts and received appreciation.
When the 1935 Act introduced popular rule and scheduled castes were granted representation in legislatures, both nationalists and British loyalists sought his expertise on Bihar’s social and economic conditions. Jagjivan Ram was nominated to the Bihar Council, and he chose to align with the nationalists by joining the Congress.
His value lay in his ability to advocate for the marginalized communities and counter B. R. Ambedkar. He was elected to the Bihar assembly in 1937 but resigned over the irrigation cess issue. He criticized Ambedkar as a “coward” who couldn’t lead his people.
In 1935, he played a role in establishing the All-India Depressed Classes League, an organization working towards equality for untouchables. He also became associated with the Indian National Congress.
During the same year, he proposed a resolution at the 1935 session of the Hindu Mahasabha, advocating for the opening of temples and drinking water wells to Dalits. In the early 1940s, he was imprisoned twice for actively participating in the Satyagraha and Quit India Movements. He was one of the prominent leaders who publicly opposed India’s involvement in World War II between European nations, leading to his imprisonment in 1940.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Parliamentary Career
In 1946, Babu Jagjivan Ram became India’s youngest minister, serving in Jawaharlal Nehru’s provisional government. He played a key role in establishing labor welfare policies in the country. Later, he was part of a significant Indian delegation to the International Labour Organization’s conference.
He served as the Labor Minister until 1952 and was involved in drafting India’s constitution. In subsequent years, he held various ministerial positions in Nehru’s government.
During Indira Gandhi’s rule, he served as the Minister for Labor, Employment, and Rehabilitation, and later as the Union Minister for Food and Agriculture, known for leading the Green Revolution. He also became the President of a Congress faction when the party split in 1969. Jagjivan Ram played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence.
In 1977, he served as Deputy Prime Minister when Morarji Desai was the Prime Minister. He continued to be an influential political figure until his death in 1986, with an uninterrupted parliamentary career from 1952 to 1986, representing the Sasaram constituency in Bihar. This is a world record.
Babu Jagjivan Ram Personal Life
After the passing of his initial spouse in August 1933 due to a short illness, Babu Jagjivan Ram wed Indrani Devi. She was the daughter of Dr. Birbal, a respected social worker in Kanpur.
Together, they had two children, Suresh Kumar and Meira Kumar. Meira Kumar went on to become a Member of Parliament five times, winning her father’s former seat in Sasaram in both 2004 and 2009. In 2009, she achieved the historic distinction of becoming the first female Speaker of Lok Sabha.
FAQs on Babu Jagjivan Ram
Who was Babu Jagjivan Ram?
Babu Jagjivan Ram, often referred to as Babuji, was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence and a respected politician from Bihar. He played a pivotal role in advocating for equality for untouchables, was a key member of India's Constituent Assembly, and held various ministerial positions during his long and illustrious career.
What were Babu Jagjivan Ram's contributions to Indian politics?
Babu Jagjivan Ram made significant contributions to Indian politics. He served as India's youngest minister, held key ministerial positions, played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War leading to the creation of Bangladesh, and was known for his contributions to the Green Revolution and agricultural modernization.
What were Babu Jagjivan Ram's early life and educational background?
Babu Jagjivan Ram was born in Bihar and faced financial challenges after his father's early demise. He began his education at a local school, overcame caste-based discrimination, and went on to excel in his studies. He later studied at Banaras Hindu University and Calcutta University, actively advocating against discrimination.
Did Babu Jagjivan Ram have a family?
Yes, Babu Jagjivan Ram married Indrani Devi after the passing of his first wife. They had two children, Suresh Kumar and Meira Kumar. Meira Kumar went on to become a five-time Member of Parliament and the first female Speaker of Lok Sabha.
What is the historical significance of Babu Jagjivan Ram's parliamentary career?
Babu Jagjivan Ram had an uninterrupted parliamentary career from 1952 to 1986, representing the Sasaram constituency in Bihar. This remarkable tenure made him the longest-serving Indian federal minister in history.
