Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered the contributions of Babu Jagjivan Ram, who was born on this day in 1908, in India’s freedom struggle.
In a tweet, Modi said: “Self-made and industrious, the contribution of Babu Jagjivan Ram can never be forgotten. As a freedom fighter and veteran administrator, his service to India was impeccable.”
“Babuji was a true democrat, refusing to bow to authoritarianism. India remembers him on his Jayanti,” he said.
Known popularly as Babuji, Jagjivan Ram was one of the tallest Dalit leader of his time. He was also the defence minister of India during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
He later served as the deputy prime minister of India.
He actively participated in the country’s independence struggle and also founded the All-India Depressed Classes League, dedicated to attaining equality for untouchables in 1935.