Book excerpt: As it is believed and witnessed that the great personalities were often the products of their own time. Political, religious, social, economic and cultural environment mould them and they, in turn, remould. Babu Jagjivan Ram, endearingly called ‘Babuji’, is one of such great personalities with rare qualities who was influenced by the contemporary socio-economic and political conditions and contributed to change the prevailing environment. He occupies an important place among the great. He made substantial contribution to the nation building during pre and post independence era and rose to great heights by dint of his determination, hard work and commitment. The role he played as a freedom fighter, great leader, parliamentarian, minister, organizer, statesman, humanist and emancipator is remarkable.