India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life.
In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on.
A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So when we meet people we shake hands, embrace each other, and express a variety of gestures.
Today the JAI BHIM slogan/phrase has gained popularity all over India. A question arises in everybody’s mind How Why and What for “JAI BHIM”?
There are many interpretations and meanings of JAI BHIM explained in this article.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE “JAI BHIM” SLOGAN
Throwing light on the origin of “JAI BHIM” Vivek Kumar, Professor, JNU Delhi said, “The first time, when JAI BHIM was uttered, it was used as ‘War Cry’ during the famous battle of Bhim Koregaon on January 1, 1818”. Further Vivek Kumar stated that during the war, when the Mahar sepoys (as a part of the British East India Company) used to cross the Bhima River, they shouted “JAI BHIM” to galvanize themselves.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Babu Haridas L.N. was the pioneer of the practice of exchanging the greeting “JAI BHIM” and he was the real originator of the word “JAI BHIM” in 1935 which refers to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Babu Haridas L.N was also one of the signatories to the “Poona Pact”.
MEANING OF “JAI BHIM”:
‘JAI’ means “Long Live!” and ‘BHIM’ refers to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. ‘JAI BHIM’ literally means “Long live the legacy and inspiration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.”
“JAI BHIM” means
– Dignity, Pride, Humanity
– Revolution, Progress, Victory
– Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
– Wisdom, Compassion, Morality
– Faith, Inspiration, Chastity
– Gratitude, Enlightenment, Integrity
– Strength, Justice, Honesty
– Educate, Agitate, and Organise
The reason for using the “JAI BHIM” slogan is that the noble ideal of Dr. Ambedkar’s life, the indomitable spirit which enabled the greatest humanitarian to work for the human society to build the nation on the edifice based on Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Social Justice for all.
Proud to say “JAI BHIM”.
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*Educationalist and Social Activist. Daskapilendra2012@gmail.com