National Self-Respect Day (Rashtriya Aatma Samman Divas) is observed annually on September 27 to mark the anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s principled resignation from the Cabinet of independent India’s first government.
Across the nation, September 27 is observed as National Self-Respect Day (Rashtriya Aatma Samman Divas), a day that commemorates one of the most defining moments in Indian political history—the principled resignation of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar from the Union Cabinet in 1951. This day transcends mere historical remembrance; it serves as an annual reaffirmation of the ideals of justice, equality, and the courage to stand by one’s convictions, even at the pinnacle of power. The occasion was recently marked by a significant event organized by the Department of Social Work, Delhi University, where dignitaries reflected on the enduring relevance of Dr. Ambedkar’s act.
The gathering, attended by Delhi’s Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, among other academics, highlighted how Dr. Ambedkar’s life and choices continue to offer a moral compass for the nation. As Minister Singh poignantly stated, “Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life teaches us that truth and self-respect are more important than power.”
The Historical Crucible: Why September 27, 1951, Matters
To understand the significance of National Self-Respect Day, one must delve into the complex political landscape of nascent India. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, having already etched his name in history as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, served as the nation’s first Law Minister in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. However, his vision for a truly egalitarian India extended beyond the constitutional framework. He identified deep-seated social evils within Hindu personal laws as a major impediment to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities.
Dr. Ambedkar dedicated years to crafting the Hindu Code Bill, a revolutionary piece of legislation aimed at codifying and reforming Hindu law. The Bill proposed groundbreaking changes: it sought to grant women the right to property inheritance and adoption, establish monogamy as the sole form of marriage, and provide women with the right to divorce and maintenance. For Dr. Ambedkar, this Bill was not just a legal reform; it was the cornerstone of social democracy, essential for dismantling patriarchal structures and granting women the self-respect they were denied for centuries.
However, the Bill faced vehement opposition from conservative factions within the Parliament and the society at large. Despite Prime Minister Nehru’s initial support, the legislation was drastically diluted and eventually stalled. For Dr. Ambedkar, this was a betrayal of the promise of social justice that independent India was supposed to uphold. He saw the government’s reluctance as a failure to translate constitutional equality into social reality.
On September 27, 1951, he made the monumental decision to resign from the Cabinet. In his resignation letter, he explicitly stated that his position had become “unbearable” because the Bill had been “killed.” He declared that he did not wish to be part of an administration that lacked the courage to enact such crucial social reforms. This act was not a withdrawal from public life but a powerful, symbolic protest—a declaration that for him, self-respect and ideological integrity were paramount.
From a Resignation to a National Observance: The Meaning of Self-Respect
The observance of this day as National Self-Respect Day elevates Dr. Ambedkar’s personal protest into a universal principle. It is a day to reflect on the courage required to choose conscience over convenience. As Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh explained at the Delhi University event, “It was not merely a personal decision of Babasaheb, but a historic step to guide society toward justice and equality.”
The day encourages every citizen, especially the youth, to internalize the value of self-respect. It prompts questions about compromise and conviction in our own lives, whether in public service, professional environments, or personal relationships. Dr. Ambedkar’s act demonstrates that self-respect is not about arrogance but about an unwavering commitment to one’s core values and the dignity of others. It is a lesson in holding power accountable and reminding those in authority that their positions are a means to achieve larger societal goals, not an end in themselves.
The Enduring Legacy: Connecting 1951 to the Present Day
The resonance of National Self-Respect Day is deeply intertwined with Dr. Ambedkar’s broader legacy. His resignation was a single, albeit powerful, episode in a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of social justice. He fought tirelessly against the pernicious caste system, untouchability, and all forms of social discrimination. His efforts were instrumental in securing constitutional safeguards, including reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in education and government employment. These measures were envisioned as tools for social empowerment, designed to level the playing field and ensure that marginalized communities could access opportunities with dignity.
The Constitution he gifted to India is the legal embodiment of this struggle, guaranteeing every citizen the fundamental rights of equality, liberty, and fraternity. National Self-Respect Day, therefore, is also a day to recommit to the values enshrined in this document. It is a call to action to continue the fight against the social inequalities that persist today.
Minister Singh’s affirmation that “The Delhi government is committed to providing equal opportunities and dignity to every section of society, guided by his far-sighted vision,” underscores the day’s contemporary relevance. It reminds governments and civil society alike that the mission Dr. Ambedkar began remains unfinished. The day serves as an annual audit of our progress towards the goal of a truly inclusive society where every individual, regardless of gender, caste, or creed, can live a life of self-respect.
FAQs on Hindu Code Bill
1. What was the Hindu Code Bill?
The Hindu Code Bill was a major proposed legislation in post-independence India, championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Its goal was to reform and codify Hindu personal laws to ensure greater equality, particularly for women. It aimed to establish uniform laws for Hindus regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
2. Why did Dr. Ambedkar resign over the Hindu Code Bill?
As the Law Minister, Dr. Ambedkar saw the Bill as essential for social justice. When the bill faced strong opposition and was significantly weakened and delayed in Parliament, he felt the government lacked the commitment to enact these crucial reforms. He resigned on September 27, 1951, stating he could not continue in a cabinet that failed to uphold this principle of equality.
3. Was the Hindu Code Bill ever passed?
The original omnibus Bill was not passed as a single law. However, after Dr. Ambedkar’s resignation, the government eventually broke it down into several separate Acts that were passed between 1955 and 1956. These include the Hindu Marriage Act, the Hindu Succession Act, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. These laws collectively implemented many of the reforms Ambedkar had fought for.