Portfolio Activist: Babu Jagjivan Ram's Pursuit of Social Justice

Jagjivan Ram’s life illustrates how pragmatic leadership and coalition-building advance social justice amid political complexity.

This critical biography, Portfolio Activist: Babu Jagjivan Ram's Pursuit of Social Justice, offers a compelling exploration of the life and career of Babu Jagjivan Ram, a pioneering Dalit politician who navigated the complexities of mainstream politics while advocating for the rights of the marginalized. Jagjivan Ram's remarkable journey marks a significant moment in Dalit politics, highlighting the potential for strategic engagement with the establishment to drive social change. By embracing Gandhi's model of inter-class cooperation and leveraging his ministerial positions, Jagjivan Ram demonstrated the value of pragmatic politics in advancing social justice. As a seasoned statesman, he combined broad vision with practical judgment. He emerged as a fearless leader not only for Dalits, but for all Indians.

In today's context, where caste-based inequalities persist, revisiting Jagjivan Ram's experiences and strategies can provide valuable insights for social justice activism. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, resilience, and coalition-building in the pursuit of equality and justice. This biography aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Jagjivan Ram's life and work, and its relevance to ongoing discussions around social justice and politics in India. By examining his remarkable career, this study hopes to shed light on the evolution of Dalit politics and the role of exceptional individuals in shaping India's social and political landscape.

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements 7
• 1. Introduction 9
• 2. The Broken thread: Jagjivan ram between Dalit' and Bahujan' Politics 31
• 3. The cure-all for Everything': Babu Jagjivan ram's Baptism in Politics 71
• 4. The Portfolio Activist: Jagjivan ram as Parliamentarian 94
• 5. The ministry of Arbitration: Jagjivan ram, the labour ministry, and the liberal reforms 119
• 6. The lonely Harijan: Jagjivan ram's Politics for the Depressed classes 155
• 7. The repentant Politician: Jagjivan ram, caste Politics, and His Departure 197
• 8. Conclusion 215
• Annexure
• Caste challenge in India: Jagjivan ram 219 Bibliography 233 Index 24