134th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti

• 15 Apr 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The 134^th Dr Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated on 14^th April 2024, by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

• B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in drafting the Constitution of independent India. His lesser-known contribution to the Hindu Code Bill, aimed at reforming Hindu personal laws, is equally significant in understanding his vision for a more equitable society.

What was the Hindu Code Bill?

• As the Law Minister in the newly formed government, Ambedkar embarked on drafting the Hindu Code Bill in 1950. It was Ambedkar's attempt to reform Hindu personal laws that would codify and modernise Hindu law, giving greater rights to women.
  • Before drafting the bill, Ambedkar appointed Sanskrit scholars to translate important texts and shlokas, ensuring the reforms were rooted in Hindu tradition.
• The bill faced strong resistance from within the Congress party and the opposition, leading Nehru to delay its passage.
• After Ambedkar resigned from the Cabinet, Nehru took over the initiative and championed four separate bills that encompassed the same content as the Hindu Code Bill.
  • These bills, namely the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Hindu Succession Act (1956), Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act (1956), and Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (1956) were enacted, realising Ambedkar's vision for Hindu reform.

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)

• DAF was constituted to disseminate the message and ideologies of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, aiming to further his visions and thoughts on a pan-Indian scale.
• Established in 1992, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, DAF operates as an autonomous body dedicated to preserving and propagating the legacy of Dr Ambedkar.
• The Dr Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) museum showcases the life, work, and contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar through a collection of personal belongings, photographs, letters, and documents.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar? (2012)

1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India
2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation
3. The Independent Labour Party

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

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Mains

Q. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (2015)