Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14 declared as a national holiday

The Central government, on Thursday, April 1, 2020, announced that the birth anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar, which falls on April 14, will be observed as a National Holiday. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions which stated that all central government offices will not be working on the day.

The notification sent by the government read, “It has been decided to declare Wednesday, 14th April, 2021 as a public holiday on account of the birthday of Dr B R Ambedkar, for all Central Government Offices, including Industrial Establishments throughout India by invoking the powers under Section 25 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

This year will mark Ambedkar's 130th birth anniversary, and several states and communities across India celebrate this day remembering the architect behind the Indian Constitution. He was born in 1891 and became the first law minister of independent India. 

During his life, he donned several hats as an economist, politician, philosopher, social reformer, journalist, lawyer, etc., and raised his voice for the benefit of the Dalit community.

His contribution to the social reforms for the Dalits, working rights for women and many others are considered significant for nation-building. Ambedkar was felicitated with the Bharat Ratna in 1990, however, he passed away on December 6, 1956.