'Jai Bhim': The Rallying Cry of Dalit Empowerment

The slogan 'Jai Bhim' became a powerful symbol of Dalit empowerment in India, first raised at the Makranpur Parishad in 1938. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's influence helped cement its significance, as he advocated against Hyderabad's princely state oppression of Dalits, leading to the enduring annual conference.

'Jai Bhim' has emerged as a potent slogan signifying the awakening and empowerment of the Dalit community in India. Yet, the origins of this phrase aren't widely known. It first resonated during the Makranpur Parishad, a significant conference organized in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an iconic leader and chief architect of India's Constitution, initially unfurled the slogan here in 1938. When Ambedkar addressed the assembly, he urged delegates to reject the princely state of Hyderabad, notorious for its oppressive regime against Dalits. The phrase 'Jai Bhim,' proposed as a communal greeting symbolizing Ambedkar's status as a guiding figure akin to a deity, was enthusiastically adopted.

Every year since its inception, even in times of hardship like the severe 1972 drought, the Makranpur Parishad conference convenes on December 30 to continue spreading Ambedkar's vision. This enduring tradition underscores the lasting impact of Jai Bhim as a call for progress and unity among Dalits.