Babu Jagjivan Ram Jayanti is a regional holiday in the states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana every year on April 5th. This holiday marks the birth anniversary of a noted Indian activist and politician Jagjivan Ram who was born on this day in 1908. Jagjivan Ram was born on April 5th, 1908 in Bihar into an untouchable caste or into Dalits. During his education and younger years, he showed his interest in fighting for the rights of the scheduled castes and the oppressed backward classes of India. Though he gained a degree in science in 1931, he showed an interest in social activism, that caught the eye of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who bought him into a life of political service.
Babu Jagjivan Ram holds the worlds unique record for being a parliamentarian for 50 uninterrupted years from 1936 to 1986. He was a member of the First Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehrus interim Government where he was the youngest Minister and a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. He would go on to high office and serve as Minister of Defense and even the Deputy Prime Minister. He remained a member of Parliament until his death in 1986. In 1935, he contributed to the establishment of the All-India Depressed Classes League, an organization dedicated to fighting for equality of untouchables and Dalits. Today, he is regarded as a Dalit icon who dedicated his life to the fight for the untouchables. Hence, his birthday is celebrated in remembrance of this historic figure.
The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana observe this day as a state holiday. They read and celebrate the life of Babu Jagjivan Ram. People learn the lessons of fighting for what is right and revolting against the injustices from the life of this icon.