December 6, 2021 marks the 66th
death anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the man who is regarded as the
Father of Indian Constitution. There is a significant reason behind the day
being celebrated as the ‘Mahaparinirvan Diwas’.

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The term ‘parinivan’ is derived from
Buddhist traditions and has a deep meaning attached to it. A parinivana is a
person who is believed to have attained nirvana after death, they are free of
the samsara, karma and rebirth.

As per the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, Budhha’s
death at the age of 80 is considered to be the original Mahaparinirvana.

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Bhimrao Ambedkar chose to reject several
other religions including Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism among others in
favour of Budhhism. A few weeks before his death, the social reformer adopted
Neo-Buddhism or Navayana which is why the term ‘Mahaparinirvan’ was adopted to
refer to his death anniversary.

Ambedkar converted publicly on October 14,
1956 and the occasion was marked by approximately 3,80,000 people following his
footsteps in the same ceremony. This was followed by roundabout 3,00,000 followers
of his converting to Budhhism just two days later.

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Bhimrao’s position as a Budhhist leader is
what inspired the usage of ‘Mahaprinivan Diwas’ to mark his death anniversary.
The occasion commemorated the contributions of one of India’s greatest
revolutionaries whose contributions to the Indian society will be remembered
for eternity.

Bhimrao advocated for the rights of Dalits
and women, two social groups that suffered the most. His vision and his work
continues to be an inspiration for people all over the world. India’s first law
minister dedicated his entire life to working for the causes he believes in.

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On top of his contributions as a social
reformer, he worked as an economist and helped several people out of poverty’s
web through his teachings.