Babu Jagjivan Ram Birth Anniversary 2025: Legacy, Contributions, and Holiday Status

Babu Jagjivan Ram Birth Anniversary 2025: Is April 5 a Bank Holiday? 10 Inspiring Facts About the Social Reformer and Freedom Fighter

Every year, on the 5th of April, India celebrates the onset of one of the greatest freedom fighters and social reformers, Babu Jagjivan Ram. Affectionately referred to as ‘Babuji,’ this man played one of the most crucial roles in the struggle for India’s independence followed by the challenge of building a more inclusive society. In the year 2025, as India celebrates his 118th birthday, it becomes inevitable that much will be said about his remarkable legacy.

Babu Jagjivan Ram came into the world on April 5, 1908, at Chandwa village, situated in Bihar, to parents named Sobhi Ram and Vasanti Devi. Such was the stature of his father, Dr. Birbal, a well-known physician in the British army. Even after suffering great caste discrimination, Babuji-the supporting pillar of his mother’s edifice-really decided to go on pursuit of education. Completing his matriculation followed graduation from Calcutta University after passing the Inter Science Exam at Banaras Hindu University.

Is Babu Jagjivan Ram’s Birth Anniversary a Bank Holiday?

Yes, under certain circumstances. According to the Reserve Bank of India, banks in Telangana are to remain closed on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for their observance of Babu Jagjivan Ram’s birthday through specific bank holidays. However, holidays may vary according to states, which does not apply as a national closing.

Read more: Chasing Colors: Celebrating National Find A Rainbow Day

10 Incredible Facts about Babu Jagjivan Ram

1. Young Legislator: At the young age of 28, he entered the ranks of the Bihar Legislative Council as a member in 1936, and this was the first step of an illustrious political career.

2. Marriage and Background Support system: He had united with Indrani Devi in marriage in June 1935. She, herself a freedom fighter and pioneer in education, automatically became an ally in his vision and ideals.

3. Giver of a Voice to the Marginals: Established an All-India Depressed Classes League founded by him in 1935 which was set aside for the enhancement and rights of untouchables.

4. Ministerial Functions: After he became Minister of Communications, Labour, and Defence under Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he was also India’s Defence Minister during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.

5. Stand Against Emergency: In 1977, Babuji resigned from Congress in opposition to the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He went on to form the Congress for Democracy, later joining the Janata Party alliance.

6. Deputy Prime Minister of India: His leadership saw him be Deputy Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979, and so in the post-Emergency political setting, his voice would be one of the loudest.

7. A Parliamentary Record: He served as a Member of Parliament for unbroken 50 years from 1936 to 1986, a feat few have matched.

8. Longest Serving Cabinet Minister: With a tenure of 30 years as a cabinet minister, he holds the record of being vestige for a long time in the Indian Cabinet.

9. Father of a Political Icon: His daughter, Meira Kumar, continued his legacy. She became the 15th Speaker of the Lok Sabha and an influential Congress leader and diplomat.

Read more: Hindu New Year 2025: Significance, Celebrations, and Traditions

10. A Symbol of Equality: Babuji passed away on July 6, 1986. In memory of him, a memorial called Samta Sthal (Place of Equality) has been erected at the place where his remains were consigned to the flames. This memorial is a tribute to his lifelong duty to justice and inclusivity.
In India’s celebration of his birth anniversary, Babu Jagjivan Ram epitomises hope, courage, and equality which are values that outlive all generations.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join. 

Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.