Last Updated:April 05, 2025, 07:05 IST

Babu Jagjivan Ram Birth Anniversary: With 30-year tenure, he is the longest-serving cabinet minister in Indian history.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Birth Anniversary 2025: Often referred to as “Babuji,” Babu Jagjivan Ram was a social justice activist, freedom fighter, and national leader. He dedicated his life to the cause of equal rights for the underprivileged.

Babu Jagjivan Ram was born to Sobhi Ram and Vasanti Devi on April 5, 1908, in Chandwa village, Bihar. His father, Dr. Birbal, served in the British Army and was a distinguished physician. Under his mother’s encouragement, he passed his matriculation despite encountering caste-based discrimination. Later on, he graduated from Calcutta University after passing the Inter Science Exam at Banaras Hindu University.

This year, on the occasion of his 118th birth anniversary, the nation will honour his legacy.

Babu Jagjivan Ram Birth Anniversary: Is It A Bank Holiday?

According to Reserve Bank Of India, Banks in Telangana will be closed on Saturday, April 5, to commemorate Babu Jagjivan Ram’s birth anniversary.

10 Facts About Babu Jagjivan Ram

• Babu Jagjivan Ram started his public career as a student activist and freedom fighter. His nomination to the Bihar Legislative Council in 1936 made him a lawmaker at the age of 28.
• He married Indrani Devi, a liberation fighter and educationist, in June 1935.
• The All-India Depressed Classes League was founded in 1935 with Babu Jagjivan Ram as a major contributor. Babuji had a strong commitment to the goal of equality for the untouchables, which this group was devoted to attaining.
• He served in the Indian government under Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in a number of significant positions, including Minister of Communications and Minister of Labour. He was India’s defence minister during the 1971 Indo-Pak War as well.
• In 1977, Babu Jagjivan Ram quit the Congress party to voice his opposition to the Emergency that then-prime minister Indira Gandhi had enforced. He and his newly established Congress for Democracy party joined the Janata Party alliance. Later on, he was named India’s deputy prime minister, a role he held from 1977 to 1979.
• From 1936 to 1986, he served as a member of parliament for 50 consecutive years, setting a record.
• With an astounding 30-year tenure, he is also the longest-serving cabinet minister in Indian history.
• Babu Jagjivan Ram is the father of Meira Kumar, a well-known Congress leader and former diplomat. From 2009 to 2014, she was the 15th Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• Babu Jagjivan Ram died on July 6, 1986. He left a legacy of social and political action that continues to inspire people throughout the country.
• A memorial was built near the place of his cremation in his honour. It is now called Samta Sthal, or “Place of Equality.”