Centre Declares April 14 as National Holiday for Ambedkar’s Birth Anniversary

The Central government on Friday announced April 14, the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, as a public holiday to honour his monumental contributions to India’s Constitution and social equality. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the decision on X, calling it a tribute to the revered leader.

The declaration recognizes Dr Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb, as the architect of India’s Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights. The holiday will be observed annually across central government offices, marking a significant step to commemorate his legacy. Shekhawat credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the move, stating it reflects the nation’s sentiments towards Ambedkar’s ideals.

Born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Indian history. An economist, educationist, and lawyer, he was the first from a backward caste to practice law and the first Indian to earn a doctorate. His original surname, Ambawedkar, was changed to Ambedkar by a teacher, a name now synonymous with social justice.

Dr Ambedkar’s most enduring contribution is drafting India’s Constitution, laying the foundation for a democratic and equitable society. Fluent in nine languages, he fought tirelessly against caste discrimination and for the upliftment of marginalized communities. He passed away on December 6, 1956, and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1990.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat posted on X, “The architect of the Constitution, the one who established a new era of equality in society, our revered Baba Saheb, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji, will now have a public holiday on his birth anniversary.”He added, “This decision by PM Narendra Modi honors the sentiments of the nation.”

The move aligns with growing calls to celebrate Ambedkar’s contributions more prominently. April 14, already observed as Ambedkar Jayanti, will now see central government offices closed, allowing employees to join nationwide commemorations.States may follow suit, though they retain autonomy over holiday declarations.

With the holiday set for April 14, preparations for the first official observance in 2025 are expected to begin soon. The government may announce additional events or initiatives to mark the occasion, further highlighting Dr Ambedkar’s legacy. Details on implementation across departments will likely be clarified closer to the date.