Jersey City Shines: Three Years as the World’s Only Blue Flag Beacon for Ambedkar

Jersey City, NJ – For the third consecutive year, Jersey City has solidified its place in history as the only city in the world to raise the blue flag alongside the U.S. flag on April 14th, celebrating Equality Day in honor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s constitution and a global icon for social justice. This unique tradition, initiated in 2022, continues to spotlight the fight against caste discrimination and promote equality worldwide.

The blue flag, a powerful symbol of the Dalit movement, was first raised in Jersey City thanks to the efforts of Swati Sawant, a pioneering Dalit lawyer and the first in the United States to litigate cases involving caste-based discrimination. During her five-year tenure on the Jersey City Immigrant Affairs Commission, Sawant proposed Equality Day and drafted the proclamation recognizing April 14th—Dr. Ambedkar’s birthday—as a day to raise awareness about caste oppression. “This blue flag represents resilience and hope, carrying Dr. Ambedkar’s vision across borders,” Sawant said at this year’s ceremony, as noted in community discussions on X.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, India, overcame caste-based discrimination to become a world-renowned jurist, economist, and social reformer. With a PhD from Columbia University and a DSc from the London School of Economics, he drafted India’s constitution, embedding protections against untouchability and caste discrimination. His legacy also includes inspiring the Dalit Buddhist movement, advocating for social and economic empowerment.

Since 2022, Jersey City’s annual flag-raising ceremony has grown into a significant event, drawing activists, community leaders, and residents. The blue flag’s presence alongside the U.S. flag remains a singular act of recognition, unmatched globally. Mayor Steven Fulop emphasized the city’s commitment, stating, “Jersey City’s blue flag tradition is a bold stand for equality and justice, honoring Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy.”

The tradition’s global uniqueness has also inspired broader recognition. In 2025, New York City proclaimed April 14 as “Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day,” with Mayor Eric Adams praising Ambedkar’s advocacy for marginalized communities and his fight against caste discrimination, as reported by The Ambedkarite Today.