Independent India’s voice of non-violence who led a revolution

Jayaprakash Narayan’s life and teachings are a testament to the power of people to bring about social transformation peacefully. His teachings emphasise defending democratic values and working towards the building of a just society

- CP Radhakrishnan

On October 11, 1902, in the dharm, sanskriti and gyan bhoomi of Bihar, at the confluence of the Ganga and the Ghaghra in the village of Sitabdiara, was born the champion of democracy, Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan. Today, we commemorate his 123rd birth anniversary. Fondly remembered as JP, the architect of Sampoorna Kranti (Total Revolution), was a statesman, who never thought about himself, but always placed the concerns of the poor as his topmost priority. The title Lok Nayak was bestowed on him by no great personality, but by the loving masses who had assembled at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on June 5, 1974. On this day, I pay my naman (salutations) to this great leader.

JP's humble beginnings from Sitabdiara helped him stay rooted and always concerned about the problems beleaguering the poor. After completing his primary education from Sitabdiara, he shifted to Patna. The scholarly and nationalistic atmosphere in the city sowed the seeds of nationalism in him. During his intermediate education, the Noncooperation Movement against the British was sweeping through India. It left a deep impact on him: He shunned all luxuries and adopted swadeshi.

During his seven years as a student in the US, JP was attracted towards Marxism, which he thought offered the solution for all of India’s problems. However, upon his return to India and after exploring the feasibility of customising the philosophy of Marxism to the Indian scenario, he realised that democratic socialism and Sarvodaya were better suited to address the problems of India. This practical approach bears witness to JP’s wisdom and statesmanship. It reveals that he was not merely a follower of ideologies but a leader seeking change and transformation in society.