90 Years of a Historic Pledge

Nashik, October 13, 2025 — A sea of humanity filled the sacred grounds of Muktibhumi in Yeola, Nashik today as lakhs of followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered to pay tribute to the great leader’s revolutionary declaration made exactly 90 years ago.

On October 13, 1935, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stood before thousands in this very land and declared, “I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu.” This moment marked a defining chapter in India’s social transformation and paved the way for the historic Buddhist conversion movement two decades later.

The Spirit of ‘Kranti Stambh’

The heart of today’s gathering was the ‘Kranti Stambh’ — the monument erected at Muktibhumi to commemorate Dr. Ambedkar’s bold stand against caste discrimination. Followers from across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and several southern states reached Yeola by special trains, buses, and private vehicles to offer floral tributes and bow before the monument that symbolizes freedom, equality, and self-respect.

From morning hours, the site turned into a festival of blue flags, chanting voices, and unity. Devotees carried portraits of Babasaheb, banners bearing his messages, and recited slogans like “Jai Bhim” and “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami.”

Massive Devotee Turnout from Across India

Police officials and district authorities estimated the turnout in lakhs, calling it one of the largest gatherings in Yeola’s history. Followers arrived not just from Maharashtra, but also from Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, making it a truly national congregation.

Many groups walked miles barefoot as an act of devotion. Others set up tents, stalls, and community kitchens offering free food, water, and medical aid to visitors. Despite the crowd, the event remained peaceful and well-coordinated under local administration and social organizations’ guidance.

Significance of Muktibhumi in India’s Social Revolution

Muktibhumi — meaning “Land of Liberation” — holds a deeply emotional place in Ambedkarite history. It was here that Babasaheb declared spiritual independence from the oppressive caste system.

While the conversion to Buddhism officially took place later in 1956 at Nagpur’s Deekshabhoomi, scholars often call the 1935 Yeola speech the “seed of the revolution.” It was the moment when Ambedkar transformed a personal belief into a mass movement, encouraging millions to seek dignity beyond caste identity.

Ceremonial Homage and Cultural Programs

At sunrise, religious leaders and social activists began the day by performing Dhamma Vandana (Buddhist prayer rituals) and offering garlands at the Kranti Stambh. The air echoed with verses from the Dhammapada and Ambedkar’s own writings from Annihilation of Caste.

Cultural programs followed — Bhim Geet, plays depicting Ambedkar’s life, and inspirational speeches from scholars and activists. Children dressed in blue attire recited Ambedkar’s messages of equality and education.

Remembering Babasaheb’s Vision

Speakers highlighted how Babasaheb’s declaration was not merely a rejection of a religion but a moral stand against inequality. Dr. Ambedkar’s message of liberty, fraternity, and justice remains more relevant than ever in modern India, they said.

Activists also emphasized the need to strengthen education, social harmony, and political representation for marginalized communities. “Babasaheb’s fight was for human dignity — and that mission continues,” said one of the speakers from Mumbai.

Local Arrangements and Security

Given the huge crowd, the Nashik district administration made elaborate security arrangements. Over 800 police personnel were deployed, along with medical units, traffic control teams, and CCTV monitoring. Barricades and special parking areas were created to manage the continuous inflow of devotees.

Volunteers from Ambedkarite organizations helped maintain order, distribute water bottles, and guide elderly visitors. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation also operated additional buses to handle the surge of travelers.

Voices from the Ground

Many attendees shared emotional stories of what the pilgrimage meant to them:

“Coming to Muktibhumi is not just a visit — it’s like touching the soil of freedom,” said a devotee from Nagpur.
“My grandfather was here in 1935. He told me how Babasaheb’s words changed his life,” shared another follower from Aurangabad.

For many, the journey to Muktibhumi is spiritual, historical, and deeply personal — a chance to connect with the roots of their identity and the man who gave them self-respect.

A Symbol Beyond Religion

While rooted in a moment of religious defiance, Muktibhumi today stands as a universal symbol of social justice and human rights. It attracts not only followers of Dr. Ambedkar but also students, historians, and activists studying India’s journey toward equality.

Every year, the site witnesses growing participation, especially among the youth, who see Ambedkar not just as the architect of the Constitution but as a modern revolutionary who redefined India’s moral framework.

Digital Tributes and Social Media Flood

The 90th-anniversary celebrations also trended across social media platforms. Hashtags like #Muktibhumi90Years, #JaiBhim, #DrAmbedkar, and #SocialRevolution topped local trends.
Videos of the massive blue crowd, live Dhamma recitations, and drone visuals of the Kranti Stambh circulated widely, amplifying the event’s emotional impact across the globe.

Many Ambedkarite organizations abroad — from the UK, Canada, and Japan — also hosted parallel virtual tributes marking the day as “Ambedkar Freedom Day.”

The Message Lives On

As the sun set over Yeola, thousands of lamps lit up around the Kranti Stambh — symbolizing light over ignorance and equality over oppression. The chants of “Jai Bhim” filled the night air, echoing Babasaheb’s eternal message.

Even 90 years later, Muktibhumi continues to remind India that true freedom lies not in mere political independence but in social liberation.