PM Modi Pays Tribute to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan on Birth Anniversary, Calls Him ‘A Tireless Champion of Democracy’
New Delhi, Oct 11 (TheTrendingPeople): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, on his birth anniversary, remembering him as one of India’s most fearless voices and a tireless champion of democracy.
Jayaprakash Narayan, born on October 11, 1902, in Sitab Diara village of Bihar’s Chhapra district, is best remembered for spearheading a historic nationwide movement in the mid-1970s that challenged the authority of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and became a defining moment in India’s democratic journey.
PM Modi’s Tribute to JP’s Legacy
Sharing a video tribute on X, Prime Minister Modi said,
“When one sees the life of Jayaprakash Narayan, it comes to mind that even after so many ups and downs, one can still continue to try to move ahead. At that age, he stood up again when he saw the country was facing problems. His life taught us that one should not feel upset about failing a few times.”
PM Modi described Lok Nayak JP as a leader who “dedicated his life to empowering ordinary citizens and strengthening Constitutional values.”
He added, “His clarion call for Sampoorna Kranti ignited a societal movement, envisioning a nation built on equality, ethics, and good governance.”
The Call for Sampoorna Kranti
In 1974, Jayaprakash Narayan called for a “Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution) — a movement that sought to transform Indian society through justice, equality, and morality. His message resonated deeply with millions, particularly among youth and students in Bihar and Gujarat.
Modi noted that JP’s movement sparked widespread political awakening across India. “These movements shook the then Congress Government at the Centre, which went on to impose the Emergency and trample over our Constitution,” the Prime Minister said.
JP’s Role During the Emergency
Following JP’s call for mass action, Indira Gandhi imposed a national Emergency on June 25, 1975, leading to widespread arrests of Opposition leaders and dissenting voices.
During this period, Jayaprakash Narayan was detained and spent several months in solitary confinement. PM Modi recalled his words from the Prison Diary, where JP wrote:
“Every nail driven into the coffin of Indian democracy is like a nail driven into my heart.”
In 1975, after the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral misconduct, JP demanded her resignation and urged the armed forces and police to disobey unconstitutional orders. His steadfast moral stance and leadership galvanized citizens across the nation to stand up for democratic rights.
The Ramlila Maidan Moment: A Turning Point
One of the most powerful moments in India’s democratic struggle came when Jayaprakash Narayan addressed over 100,000 people at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. There, he recited Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s stirring lines — “Singhasan khaali karo ke janata aati hai” — symbolizing the power of the people rising against authoritarianism.
The rally became a landmark in India’s history, embodying the collective will of citizens to restore democracy and justice.
JP’s Final Years and Enduring Legacy
During his imprisonment in Chandigarh, JP’s health deteriorated due to diabetes and heart disease. Though granted temporary parole to assist with flood relief efforts in Bihar, his condition worsened. He was released on November 12, 1975, and continued his advocacy for democracy until his death on October 8, 1979, just three days before his 77th birthday.
Jayaprakash Narayan’s vision of Sampoorna Kranti remains deeply embedded in India’s democratic ethos. His life continues to inspire generations committed to truth, equality, and moral governance.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s life serves as a timeless reminder of the power of moral courage in the face of political oppression. As Prime Minister Modi recalled, JP’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and people’s empowerment remains an enduring beacon for India.
His call for “Total Revolution” was not merely political — it was a moral and ethical awakening that reshaped India’s democratic fabric forever.