Dr Rajvir Singh
Babu Jagjivan Ram was one of the most influential leaders in Indian politics. His political journey was not merely a journey of holding high positions; it was a historic struggle to bring the voice of Dalits, poor people, farmers, labourers and marginalized communities to the national stage.
Babu Jagjivan Ram was born on 5 April 1908 in Chandwa village of Bhojpur district, Bihar. From childhood, he witnessed caste discrimination and social inequality very closely. These experiences shaped his thoughts and inspired him to work for social justice, equality and dignity for all. During his student life, he became active in social reform movements and strongly believed that education was the most powerful tool for change.
His public and political life began during the period of India’s freedom movement. Inspired by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the struggle for independence as well as social reform. He raised his voice against untouchability and worked to organize the Dalit community for dignity, representation and equal rights.
In 1936, Babu Jagjivan Ram became a member of the Bihar Legislative Council. This was a major beginning in his political career. From there, he continued to rise in public life and became a strong voice for the poor, labourers and oppressed sections of society. He believed that politics should not be limited to speeches, but should bring real policy-level change for the last person in society.
After India’s independence, Babu Jagjivan Ram played a very important role in the central government. He served as a Member of Parliament for many years and handled several key ministries. As Labour Minister, he worked for the rights and welfare of workers. He focused on issues such as labour security, fair wages, working conditions and social protection.
Later, he also held important portfolios such as Communications, Railways, Transport, Food and Agriculture. As Food and Agriculture Minister, his contribution was significant during a time when India was facing food shortages. He worked to strengthen the country’s food security system and agricultural development.
One of the most important chapters of his political career came when he became the Defence Minister of India. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Babu Jagjivan Ram was the Defence Minister. India achieved a historic victory in this war, which also led to the creation of Bangladesh. Along with the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Babu Jagjivan Ram’s role as Defence Minister is remembered as highly significant. He provided strong leadership and helped boost the morale of the armed forces.
During the Emergency period, Babu Jagjivan Ram took a major political decision. In 1977, he left the Congress and formed Congress for Democracy. Later, he joined hands with the Janata Party. In the 1977 general election, the Janata Party came to power, and Babu Jagjivan Ram became the Deputy Prime Minister of India. This was one of the biggest milestones of his long political journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to former Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary. Remembering his contribution, the Prime Minister said that Babu Jagjivan Ram dedicated his life to the ideals of equality and social justice, and that his invaluable contribution to the nation will always be remembered. This tribute reflects the continuing relevance of Babu Jagjivan Ram’s thoughts in today’s India, especially in the struggle for dignity, representation and equal opportunities for the marginalized sections of society.
Babu Jagjivan Ram remained active in national politics for nearly five decades. He was one of the most experienced parliamentarians of India. His greatest strength was that even while holding powerful positions, he never forgot the issues of the poor, Dalits and deprived communities. He remained a strong supporter of social justice, equal opportunity, democratic rights and human dignity.
His political journey teaches us that with struggle, education, organization and commitment to public service, one can create history. Babu Jagjivan Ram proved that politics is not only a way to gain power, but also a powerful medium to transform society.
Babu Jagjivan Ram remains a true people’s leader whose life continues to inspire the mission of social justice, equality and national service.