Jalgaon Marks Ambedkar Jayanti With Much Fanfare: All You Need To Know
Jalgaon witnessed a massive turnout of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's followers, political leaders and government officials on Monday to mark the 134th birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution. Celebrations began early in the day near the full-length statue of Babasaheb near Jalgaon railway station, where hundreds paid floral tributes amid chants of “Jai Bhim”. In the evening, 45 mandals from across the city joined a disciplined and vibrant all-religion procession, organised by the Public Festival Committee and various social and political organisations.
The city had been celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti for a week, with numerous events led by the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Public Festival Committee. Key locations, including squares and the railway station area, were adorned with banners, flags and hoardings commemorating Babasaheb’s legacy.
On Sunday morning, the “Jai Bhim Padyatra” was jointly organised by the District Administration, District Sports Officer’s Office, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Mera Yuva Bharat and the National Service Scheme at the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj District Sports Complex. District Collector Ayush Prasad inaugurated the padyatra by offering floral tributes to Babasaheb’s portrait. The Preamble was read aloud by District Sports Officer Ravindra Naik.
The padayatra began at the sports complex and culminated at Ambedkar’s statue near the railway station, where Collector Prasad again paid homage and interacted with students. Over 500 participants—including school students, government employees, NCC cadets, hostel students, and athletes from the District Training Centre—took part.
At midnight, enthusiastic followers gathered at the statue, honouring Babasaheb with great devotion.
Earlier at 8am, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders and volunteers paid tribute at the same location. Provincial (Prant) in-charge Swanand Jhare, prant co-in-charge Swapnil Chaudhary, pracharak Vikas Deshpande, city co-in-charge Vijay Thackeray, Bhaiji Mundada of Dharmajagar Aktivitas, Vijay Moghe of Samarasata Manch and others joined the tribute. The group sang poet Vaman Dada Kardak’s song “Udharli Koti Kule Bhima Tuzya Janma Mule” in unison.
At 9am, District Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil visited the statue to offer his respects. He praised Dr Ambedkar’s enduring legacy and his message of social justice, equality, brotherhood and secularism. Collector Prasad, other officials and a large number of citizens joined him. The tribute event was jointly organised by the District Administration and Jalgaon Municipal Corporation.
Celebrations were also held at the District Collector’s Office, attended by MLA Suresh Bhole, Prasad, Zilla Parishad CEO Minal Karanwal, District Agriculture Officer Qurban Tadvi and others. Attendees paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar.
On this occasion, Prof B. N. Chaudhary, former principal of Dharangaon, delivered a talk on “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contribution to rural society and farmers”, highlighting his educational, social and economic reforms.
Various welfare schemes were implemented during the event. These included financial aid for heirs of abandoned workers, scholarships, Swadhar Yojana and Kanyadan Yojana benefits, hostel admission certificates, caste verification certificates and employee commendations. The event aimed to honour Dr Ambedkar’s contributions spread his message of equality, and provide government support to underprivileged groups.
The grand evening procession saw 45 participating groups welcomed along the route with drinking water and sharbat by residents, bringing the week-long celebrations to a colourful and inclusive close.
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