Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: Two simple words—“Jai Bhim”—have grown to symbolize the awakening, dignity, and empowerment of India’s Dalit community. These words, expressing reverence for Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, are now ubiquitous in Dalit gatherings, protests, and celebrations. Yet, few are aware of the historical moment and the central Maharashtra village where this iconic slogan first emerged.
According to historical accounts and family testimonies, “Jai Bhim” was first raised at the Makranpur Parishad, a conference organised in Makranpur village in Kannad tehsil of today’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in Maharashtra. The event was held on December 30, 1938, and brought together Ambedkar’s followers from across the region.
The Makranpur Parishad and Its Significance
Bhausaheb More, the first president of the Scheduled Castes Federation of Marathwada, was the chief organiser of the Makranpur Parishad. Dr Ambedkar attended the conference despite restrictions imposed by the princely state of Hyderabad, which then controlled much of central Maharashtra. As Ambedkar was banned from delivering speeches within Hyderabad, the Makranpur venue was deliberately chosen for its location on the British India side of the Shivna river, which marked the border.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Pravin More, Bhausaheb More’s son, explained the rationale behind the venue: “Makranpur lay on the banks of the Shivna river, on British territory, making it accessible to Dalits from areas under the Nizam’s rule. Despite a ban imposed by the Nizam’s police, people crossed the river to attend the conference.”
The parishad was not merely a gathering; it was a platform for Ambedkar to inspire Dalits against systemic oppression and guide them toward social and political consciousness. “When Bhausaheb stood up to speak, he said every community has its own deity and they greet each other using the name of that deity. Dr Ambedkar showed us the path of progress, and he is like God to us. So henceforth, we should say ‘Jai Bhim’ while meeting each other. The people responded enthusiastically,” ACP More said. A resolution formalising “Jai Bhim” as the community’s greeting and slogan was passed at the event.
Standing Up Against Oppression
The Makranpur Parishad also highlighted Ambedkar’s opposition to princely states that perpetuated caste-based atrocities. “My father came in contact with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in his early years. Bhausaheb was aware of the atrocities committed by the Nizam state against Dalits,” ACP More explained. These included systemic discrimination, forced conversions, and socio-economic exploitation. Ambedkar’s attendance was an act of defiance, a message that Dalits could organise and mobilise for their rights even under oppressive regimes.
The historic stage made of bricks, from where Ambedkar addressed the attendees, still stands in Makranpur. It remains a symbol of resilience and the enduring legacy of Ambedkar’s vision.
Legacy and Continuity
Over the years, the Makranpur Parishad has become an annual event, held on December 30 to carry forward Ambedkar’s thoughts and ideals. Even in 1972, when Maharashtra suffered one of its worst droughts, the tradition continued uninterrupted. ACP More recalled, “My grandmother pledged her jewellery for the conference expenses. People from Khandesh, Vidarbha, and Marathwada attended it. The spirit of the parishad was never broken.”
The conference has consistently served as a forum for Dalit intellectual and social empowerment, helping communities across rural Maharashtra to engage with Ambedkar’s vision of equality, justice, and constitutional rights. The annual gathering emphasizes education, awareness, and socio-political organisation, keeping the spirit of Dalit assertion alive across generations.
ACP More added, “This is the 87th year of the Makranpur Parishad. We have deliberately retained the venue because it helps spread Ambedkar’s thought in rural areas, where such ideas are most needed.” The event has grown in scale, drawing participants not only from Maharashtra but from other parts of India, reflecting the enduring influence of Ambedkar’s philosophy.
The Slogan That Inspired a Movement
The words “Jai Bhim” encapsulate reverence for Ambedkar while energising the Dalit community to assert its rights and demand dignity. Over the decades, it has transcended mere greeting to become a rallying cry for social justice, education, and political mobilisation.
From local gatherings in central Maharashtra to national protests and celebrations, “Jai Bhim” carries the weight of history, representing the struggles and triumphs of millions of Dalits in independent India. The Makranpur Parishad, and the vision of Ambedkar it embodies, remains central to the movement’s ethos.
ACP More reflected on the enduring significance: “Despite the passage of decades, Ambedkar’s message continues to inspire. The slogan ‘Jai Bhim’ is a reminder that social justice is not an abstract concept—it is a practice, a commitment, and a shared identity.”
Conclusion
The origin of “Jai Bhim” at Makranpur Parishad highlights a pivotal moment in the Dalit movement, combining Ambedkar’s visionary leadership with grassroots mobilisation. On the anniversary of Ambedkar’s death, Mahaparinirvana Diwas, and in daily life across Maharashtra and India, these two words continue to resonate, reminding communities of the enduring power of dignity, equality, and social justice.
In central Maharashtra, in a small village on the banks of the Shivna river, the seeds of a movement were sown that would energise a generation and leave an indelible mark on the social fabric of modern India.
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