Jai Bhim (alternatively spelled Jay Bhim or Jai Bheem; ) is a slogan and greeting used by followers of B. R. Ambedkar, an Indian politician, social reformer and first Law and Justice Minister of India. It refers to Ambedkar's given name Bhimrao. In 1935, Jai Bhim was conceived and developed by Babu L. N. Hardas (1904–1939), a staunch follower of Ambedkar, and the secretary of Samata Sainik Dal. However, its origin is obscure and may date as far back as 1818, well before Ambedkar's birth. Jai Bhim is also called as a slogan by some political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Republican Party of India (RPI).

History

The slogan 'Jai Bhim' was given by Babu Hardas in 1935. It is recorded that Babu Hardas L. N. (Laxman Nagarale) himself gave the slogan of 'Jai Bhim' in Ramchandra Kshirsagar's book Dalit Movement in India and Its Leaders. In 1938, a meeting was held at Makranpur in Kannad taluka of Aurangabad district by Bhausaheb More, an activist of the Ambedkarite movement. In this meeting, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was also present. In that meeting, More told the people that from now on, we will only say 'Jai Bhim' while greeting each other. Former Judge and scholar of the Dalit movement Suresh Ghorpade said, "The salutation 'Jai Bhim' started during Dr. Ambedkar's lifetime. Activists of the Ambedkarite movement used to call each other 'Jai Bhim' but some activists also directly salutated Dr. Ambedkar as 'Jai Bhim'." Narendra Jadhav says, "The slogan of Jai Bhim was given by Babu Hardas. It is an important triumph for all Dalits. 'Jai Bhim' has become a symbol of struggle, it has become a cultural identity as well as a political identity, it also shows the relationship with the Ambedkarite movement, this utterance has become a symbol of all kinds of identities. I think 'Jai Bhim' has become the overall identity of the revolution,"said Uttam Kamble. In 1946, on the occasion of the birthday celebrations of Dr. Bhimrao  Ambedkar, for the time in the presence of Dr. Ambedkar, Jai Bhim was proclaimed by Dalit Poet Bihari Lal Harit (1913–1999) through a poem in Gandhi Ground, Opp. Old Delhi Railway Station.

Popular culture

Numerous Marathi songs include the phrase 'Jai Bhim'. The meaning of 'Jai Bhim' is explained in the 2021 Tamil film Jai Bhim. It says,

Jai bheem slogan history

"Jai Bhim" is a slogan associated with the Dalit community in India and is commonly used as a greeting or expression of solidarity. The phrase is derived from the name Bhimrao Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer, jurist, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, dedicated his life to fighting against social discrimination and advocating for the rights of Dalits (formerly known as untouchables). The slogan "Jai Bhim" essentially means "Victory to Bhim" and is used to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions to social justice and equality. It has become a symbol of empowerment and unity among Dalits and supporters of Ambedkar's ideology. The slogan is often chanted at gatherings, protests, and events promoting social justice and the rights of marginalized communities in India.