Ambedkar Jayanti, which is celebrated on April 14th, in the honour of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution of India and a pivotal social reformer. He was born into the “untouchable” Mahar caste, he experienced first hand the harsh realities of caste discrimination, fuelling his lifelong fight against this entrenched social evil.Ambedkar’s seminal work, “Annihilation of Caste,” powerfully critiqued the caste system, exposing it as a societal division that created a hierarchy of human worth, fundamentally incompatible with democracy and social justice. He advocated for dismantling this system, promoting a society based on merit and individual rights.His approach was multifaceted: he championed education as a tool for liberation, urging marginalized communities to empower themselves through knowledge. Recognizing the limitations of reform within Hinduism, he converted to Buddhism in 1956, symbolizing his rejection of the caste system and his pursuit of an egalitarian spiritual path.Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a way to empower his community and gain dignity, as he believed it rejected the caste system and promoted equality. The day of Ambedkar Jayanti, is celebrated every year, in the Indian Institute of Legal Studies Cooch Behar, which is one of the best colleges for law.
Ambedkar’s vision went beyond mere abolition; he sought the “Annihilation of Caste” which is also the name of one of his famous works. He understood the system’s deep roots in religious texts and cultural practices, making internal reform difficult. His radical proposition aimed to establish a society where individuals are judged by their abilities, not their birth. He argued that the caste system hindered societal progress by perpetuating ignorance and inequality.Furthermore, Ambedkar’s economic theories addressed the link between caste and class, highlighting how the caste system contributed to economic disparities. He believed that national development depended on the upliftment of lower castes, requiring the removal of caste-based barriers to education, employment, and social mobility. Manusmriti Dahan Divas is celebrated on December 25th to commemorate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s act of burning the Manusmriti in 1927. The burning of the book was a public protest against casteism and sexism. This step taken by him, shows courage.
Ambedkar’s legacy remains profoundly relevant in contemporary India, where caste-based discrimination persists. His ideas have inspired numerous social justice movements, and his writings continue to be crucial for understanding the complexities of caste. The ongoing struggle against caste underscores the enduring relevance of his vision for a just and equitable society. His life and work remind us that the fight against caste is an ongoing challenge demanding collective action and a steadfast commitment to equality and justice for all. Indian Institute of Legal Studies Cooch Behar celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti this year with lot of enthusiasm and joy. The students of one the best colleges for law made virtuous celebration which is mind-blowing. This institution is affiliated to the Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University and recognized by the Bar Council of India. Here, students can opt for B.A.LL.B. (Honours) after completion of Higher Secondary education. Others, who has a UG degree, can opt for the LL.B. which is a 3 year degree course. This brings a great opportunity to become legal professional.
