Babu Jagjivan Ram Smarak
The Babu Jagjivan Ram Smarak is a memorial dedicated to Babu Jagjivan Ram (April 5, 1908 – July 6, 1986), a towering figure in Indian politics, an independence activist, and one of the longest-serving Union Cabinet Ministers in the country's history. Affectionately known as Babuji, he was a key le ader of the downtrodden and Dalit communities, advocating tirelessly for social equality and justice. Born in Chandwa village near Arrah (Bihar), he was instrumental in founding the All India Depressed Classes League in 1935 and played a crucial role in ensuring social justice was enshrined in the Constitution of India as a member of the Constituent Assembly. He was the youngest minister in Jawaharlal Nehru's interim government in 1946, holding the Labour portfolio, and later served in various high-profile roles, including Deputy Prime Minister. The Smarak (memorial) in Sasaram (a politically significant area in Bihar) serves as a place of public homage, celebrating his immense contribution to nation-building, his commitment to the rights of the marginalized, and his enduring political legacy that spanned over four decades. The structure is meant to inspire younger generations by reminding them of his dedication to secularism, social reform, and democratic values. It often hosts public functions on his birth and death anniversaries, serving as a focal point for political and social remembrance in the region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes - 1 Hour (For viewing and reflection)Place Type:
Memorial, Political Monument, Urban LandmarkEntry Fees:
Entry is Free of Cost: As a public memorial in an open square, there is generally no entry fee charged to visitors for accessing the Babu Jagjivan Ram Smarak. This policy is consistent with most public memorials dedicated to national leaders in India, ensuring universal acc...Entry is Free of Cost: As a public memorial in an open square, there is generally no entry fee charged to visitors for accessing the Babu Jagjivan Ram Smarak. This policy is consistent with most public memorials dedicated to national leaders in India, ensuring universal access.
No Photography or Camera Fees: There are typically no fees for carrying a standard camera or mobile phone to take photographs, as it is a public space.
Donation for Upkeep: While there is no mandatory fee, during major commemorative events, local political or social organizations may occasionally set up voluntary collection boxes for the maintenance of the monument or for social welfare causes in Babuji’s name. This is purely a voluntary donation.
Basic Amenities Cost: The only costs one might incur are for local transport to and from the site, or for purchasing snacks/water from vendors in the surrounding commercial area, which are not site entry fees. The principle of free and open access is maintained here.Timing:
Regular Timings: Being a memorial in a public square, it is essentially open 24 hours a day; however, the ideal time to visit is typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (daylight hours), as the full impact of the memorial can be appreciated during the day, and it is safest during...Regular Timings: Being a memorial in a public square, it is essentially open 24 hours a day; however, the ideal time to visit is typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (daylight hours), as the full impact of the memorial can be appreciated during the day, and it is safest during this period.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time for a quiet and reflective visit is in the early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to avoid the midday sun and the rush of the surrounding city traffic.
Event Timing: If you wish to witness the vibrant ceremonies on his anniversaries, the time to visit would be on April 5 and July 6, usually in the morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the main homage events are conducted.
Photography Window: The golden hour of either sunrise or sunset offers the best lighting for photography, giving the bronze statue a warm, respectful glow, while avoiding the harsh shadows of midday.
Security: While open 24/7, for security and respectful reasons, it's best to avoid late-night visits when the surrounding commercial areas have closed down.Special Events:
Birth and Death Anniversaries: The most significant events are the birth anniversary on April 5 (Jagjivan Ram Jayanti) and the death anniversary on July 6. On these dates, the site is a hive of activity, featuring political rallies, public speeches by state and national lea...Birth and Death Anniversaries: The most significant events are the birth anniversary on April 5 (Jagjivan Ram Jayanti) and the death anniversary on July 6. On these dates, the site is a hive of activity, featuring political rallies, public speeches by state and national leaders, cultural programs, and community gatherings (often involving the Dalit community) to pay homage, involving garlanding ceremonies and floral tributes.
Political Rallies: During major state or national elections, the ground near the Smarak often serves as a key venue for election rallies, drawing large crowds and high-profile speakers, making it a highly charged environment for political observers. These events are not fixed but are seasonal, often occurring in October to November or March to April.
Community Felicitation Programs: Various social and educational organizations, particularly those focused on social upliftment, periodically use the space to hold small-scale felicitation ceremonies, scholarship award events, or debates on social justice issues, especially in the cooler months of November to February, carrying forward the ideals of Babuji.Best Photo Spots:
The Bronze Dignity Shot: A classic, respectful shot of the entire bronze statue from a slightly low angle, framed against the sky or the surrounding trees, emphasizing the monument's height and dignity.
Plaque and Inscription Detail: Close-u...The Bronze Dignity Shot: A classic, respectful shot of the entire bronze statue from a slightly low angle, framed against the sky or the surrounding trees, emphasizing the monument's height and dignity.
Plaque and Inscription Detail: Close-up photographs of the plaques at the base of the statue, capturing the key dates, achievements, and inspirational quotes in sharp focus for documentation.
The Reflective Setting: A wide-angle shot capturing the statue, the landscaped green space, and the seating areas, conveying the Smarak as a tranquil place of public memory and reflection within the busy city center.
Illumination at Night: If permitted and safe, a photograph taken after sunset when the statue is illuminated by spotlights, providing a dramatic and respectful visual contrast against the dark sky, highlighting the architectural form.
The Wreath Laying Moment: During commemorative events, capturing the emotional moment of an official or a common citizen offering a wreath or flowers at the base of the statue, symbolizing the continuity of respect and memory.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Homage and Garlanding: On his birth anniversary (April 5) and death anniversary (July 6), visitors can participate in or witness the official ceremonies, including the garlanding of the statue by prominent political figures and community leaders.
Photography of the Statue: Take a respectful photo of the central statue, ensuring to capture the grandeur and the plaques around the base. The early morning light provides a soft, dignified illumination of the statue's features.
Attend a Public Meeting: If visiting during an election cycle or a significant political date, you might get an opportunity to attend a public meeting or political rally organized at the square, offering a genuine glimpse into Bihar's robust democratic culture and local political discourse.
Walking...
Information
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Why Famous:
Tribute to a National Icon: The Smarak is a direct tribute to one of modern India’s most significant freedom fighters and political leaders, Babu Jagjivan Ram, whose monumental career shaped the social and labor policies of the new republic. This connection alone makes it...Tribute to a National Icon: The Smarak is a direct tribute to one of modern India’s most significant freedom fighters and political leaders, Babu Jagjivan Ram, whose monumental career shaped the social and labor policies of the new republic. This connection alone makes it a major political and historical landmark.
Symbol of Social Justice: It stands as a powerful, visible symbol of the struggle for Dalit rights and social justice in India. Visitors come here to honor his tireless work for the oppressed and his role in integrating social equality into the very fabric of the Indian Constitution, which he helped draft.
Longest-Serving Minister: The memorial commemorates his record of serving as a Union Cabinet Minister with various key portfolios for over 30 years, an unparalleled feat in Indian democratic history, cementing his status as a political legend.
Focal Point for Political Rallies: Due to its central location and significance, the Smarak often becomes the starting or ending point for political rallies, commemorative marches, and public meetings, especially by parties and groups that align with his social and democratic ideology, frequently drawing media and public attention. -
Architecture:
Modern Institutional Architecture: The Smarak is a piece of modern, institutional architecture, typically employing simple, solid structural forms built with durable materials like reinforced concrete, stone cladding, and polished granite, reflecting the seriousness and perm...Modern Institutional Architecture: The Smarak is a piece of modern, institutional architecture, typically employing simple, solid structural forms built with durable materials like reinforced concrete, stone cladding, and polished granite, reflecting the seriousness and permanence of his political legacy.
The Central Statue and Plinth: The focal point is usually a life-size or larger-than-life bronze statue of Babuji, often depicted in a dignified political pose, standing atop a raised stone plinth. The plinth may have his biographical details, key dates, or inspirational quotes inscribed on marble or granite plaques.
Landscaping and Public Square: The memorial is generally situated within a landscaped public area, featuring gardens, paved walkways, and open spaces designed to accommodate large public gatherings on commemorative days. The area is intentionally kept spacious and accessible, functioning as a small park or square.
Dimension of the Plinth: While specific dimensions vary, the statue and its plinth can collectively reach a height of 10 to 15 feet, ensuring visibility and prominence in the urban landscape. The surrounding park area is often expansive, covering several hundred square meters, providing necessary congregation space.
Design Philosophy: The architecture is utilitarian and symbolic rather than ornamental, designed to be resilient and accessible, symbolizing the strength and grounding of his connection to the common people and the constitutional values he upheld, with minimal use of the traditional regional Indo-Islamic or ancient Bihari styles. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The same as the Rock Edict, the nearest major airports are Gaya International Airport (GAY, 120 KMs) and Varanasi Airport (VNS, 140 KMs). From either airport, hire a pre-paid taxi directly to Sasaram, which takes about 2. 5 to 3 hours. Once in the city, the Smarak ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Tomb of Sher Shah Suri (3 KMs), Tomb of Hasan Khan Suri (4 KMs), Baulia Pool (3 KMs), Grand Trunk Road (Same location), Sasaram Railway Station (1 KM), Maa Tara Chandi Temple (8 KMs), Ashokan Minor Rock Edict (9 KMs), Budhan Sunset Point (11 KMs), Bara Masjid (3 KMs), Chandan Shaheed Hill (8 KMs).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: As it is a central city location, be mindful of traffic while crossing roads near the memorial. Carry your valuables securely, especially in crowded times like during political rallies. The area is generally safe, but standard city precautions apply.
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