The Prime Minister of India recently paid homage to two significant political figures, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh, on the occasion of their Jayanti. Both these leaders played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of India. This article delves into the lives, influences, and contributions of these remarkable individuals.
Jayaprakash Narayan: The Advocate of Total Revolution
Born on 11th October 1902 in Sitabdiara, Bihar, Jayaprakash Narayan, fondly known as JP, was greatly influenced by Marxist ideas during his stay in the USA, and later by Gandhian ideology back home. His political journey commenced in 1929 when he joined Indian National Congress, a party instrumental in India’s struggle for freedom.
JP faced imprisonment twice: in 1932 for participating in the civil disobedience movement and in 1939 for opposing India’s involvement in World War II on Britain’s side. However, he managed to escape the latter incarceration. Notably, he helped establish the Congress Socialist Party in 1934, a left-wing faction within the Congress Party.
Post India’s Independence in 1947, JP quit Congress in 1948, leading an anti-Congress campaign. In 1952, he formed the Praja Socialist Party and later dedicated his life to Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Yajna Movement in 1954, advocating land redistribution to the landless.
JP’s key contribution to Indian politics was his idea of ‘Sampoorna Kranti’, or Total Revolution, against Indira Gandhi’s regime, accused of violating electoral laws. This comprehensive revolution encompassed seven areas -political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual, educational, and spiritual. His ultimate aim was to create a society reflecting Sarvodaya’s ideals, meaning progress for all.
For his remarkable efforts, JP received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, posthumously in 1999.
Nanaji Deshmukh: The Pillar of Social Activism and Rural Education
Nanaji Deshmukh was born on 11th October 1916 in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district. He drew his inspiration from nationalist leader Lokamanya Tilak and Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founding head of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Deshmukh actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement led by Acharya Vinoba Bhave. He was also the main force behind JP’s Total Revolution. A leader of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and RSS, Deshmukh’s focus on social reform, particularly in health, education, and rural self-reliance, was commendable.
In his pursuit of creating a self-reliant rural India, Deshmukh established Chitarkoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya in Chitrakoot, the country’s first rural university, where he also served as Chancellor. His contributions to anti-poverty and minimum needs programs were significant.
In the realm of electoral politics, Deshmukh played a pivotal role in forming the Janata Party and won the 1977 Lok Sabha election from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. In recognition of his national service, he was nominated to Rajya Sabha in 1999.
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1999, and a decade after his death on 27th February 2010, he was posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna for his services to the nation in 2019.
