Vijayawada: S Abdul Nazeer, the governor of Andhra Pradesh, paid a heartfelt tribute to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 116th birthday on Wednesday, April 6.

Governor offered flowers to the portrait of the Jagjivan Ram at a program held in Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan. On this occasion, the governor praised Babu Jagjivan Ram for his achievements as a great independence warrior, an amazing lawmaker, and a true democrat. He was a skilled administrator and orator who long worked as a union minister and stood up for the underprivileged and downtrodden classes.

Officers and staff members of the Raj Bhawan were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion of Babu Jagjivan Ram's birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid respect to him. The Prime Minister posted on Twitter, "On the occasion of his birthday, I pay homage to the late former deputy prime minister Babu Jagjivan Ram, who actively participated in the independence movement. His initiatives to bring the underprivileged areas of society into the forefront of development will forever serve as an inspiration."

Jagjivan Ram, also referred to as Babuji, was a well-known Dalit idol in India who championed the rights of the poor. Jagjivan Ram worked tirelessly for a decent and egalitarian society throughout his whole political career, during which he served in the parliament for a record-breaking 50 years.

He served as the Defense Minister in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War. In addition, he held the position of Deputy Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979.

He established the All India Depressed Class League in 1935, which promoted equality for the "untouchables" during the Indian Independence movement.

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