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On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on the occasion of his birth anniversary, highlighting the enduring relevance of Narayan’s ideals in contemporary society.
In a message shared on X, PM Modi expressed his admiration for the leader, stating, “On the occasion of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s birth anniversary, I offer my respectful tribute. He dedicated his life to bringing about positive change in the country and society. His personality and ideals will continue to inspire every generation.”
लोकनायक जयप्रकाश नारायण को उनकी जयंती पर मेरी आदरपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। उन्होंने देश और समाज में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। उनका व्यक्तित्व और आदर्श हर पीढ़ी के लिए प्रेरणास्रोत बना रहेगा। pic.twitter.com/6VkTpfwpLs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2024
Jayaprakash Narayan
Jayaprakash Narayan, fondly known as ‘JP’, celebrated for his pivotal role in the anti-emergency movement of 1975, where he mobilized the masses against the Indira Gandhi government.
His concept of ‘total revolution’ became a rallying cry for those seeking to restore democratic freedoms during a tumultuous period in Indian history.
Narayan emerged as the prominent figure leading the mass movement that ultimately resulted in the election of the Janata Party in 1977, marking the first time a non-Congress party formed a government at the national level under his guidance.
The legacy of JP is especially notable in Bihar, where many influential politicians, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi of the BJP, credit their political foundations to his movement.
An active participant in the Quit India Movement, Narayan was renowned for his selfless commitment to the nation and its people.
Remarkably, he never contested an election yet garnered immense public support, particularly during his leadership against the Emergency.
Narayan was also a founding member of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) and later established the Socialist Party.
This party eventually merged with JB Kripalani’s Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party to form the Praja Socialist Party.
While former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru sought to include JP in the Union government, he chose to stay away from electoral politics, dedicating his life instead to social causes and the strengthening of democracy in India.
As India remembers Jayaprakash Narayan today, PM Modi’s tribute underscores the continued importance of Narayan’s vision for unity, democratic values, and social reform in shaping the nation’s future.
