Students’ Day in Maharashtra Date in the current year: November 7, 2024

Bhimao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as B. R. Ambedkar or simply Ambedkar, was an Indian lawyer, economist, politician, and social reformer who is widely regarded as the “Father of the Constitution of India” because he was the head of the committee responsible for drafting the constitution. He also served as the first Minister of Law and Justice of India.

B. R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891. He belonged to the Mahar caste, who were treated as untouchables. Ambedkar was the only child in his family to pass his examinations and enter high school. On November 7, 1900, he was admitted to the Government High School (now Pratapsingh High School) in Satara. Although Ambedkar and other Mahar children were allowed to attend school, they were segregated from other students and neglected by teachers; they weren’t even permitted to pour themselves a cup of water.

Following his graduation from high school, Ambedkar enrolled in Elphinstone College affiliated to the University of Bombay, where he studied economics and political science. In 1913, Ambedkar was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to obtain a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City. He also studied economics at the London School of Economics.

Eventually Ambedkar received two doctorates in economics, the first at the London School of Economics in 1923 and the second at Columbia University in 1927, joining a handful of Indian students to have received a doctorate at either institution. He also studied law at Gray’s Inn in London and passed the bar in 1923.

Ambedkar’s advocacy for the education of untouchables is considered one of his greatest accomplishments. In addition, he always stressed the importance of education for everyone and considered himself a lifelong student. Due to this, Indian journalist Arun Jawale came up with the idea of celebrating the anniversary of Ambedkar’s school admission in 2003. After that, Jawale repeatedly appealed to the government of Maharashtra with a proposal for November 7 to be declared as Student’s Day.

In 2017, his proposal received support from Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole and Minister of Education Vinod Tawde. The government of Maharashtra established Students’ Day on October 27, 2017, and the first official celebration took place ten days later. To celebrate the holiday, the Education Department of the Government of Maharashtra organizes poetry reading, oratory, and essay competitions, as well as various events dedicated to Ambedkar’s legacy.

Students’ Day in Maharashtra isn’t the only holiday in India dedicated to Ambedkar. His birthday, Ambedkar Jayanti, is a public holiday in many Indian states. Although it is not a federal holiday, it is widely celebrated throughout the country to recognize Ambedkar’s contributions and achievements.