Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani (1888–1982), famously known as Acharya Kripalani, was born in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan). He was an academic by training, teaching history and English at Muzaffarpur College in Bihar. His transition from a lecturer to a revolutionary began with his deep involvement in the Gandhian experiments in the early 20th century.
Association with Gandhi and Satyagraha
Kripalani was one of the earliest associates of Mahatma Gandhi and played a pivotal role in operationalizing Gandhian philosophy.
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): He was instrumental in introducing Gandhi to the plight of the indigo farmers in Bihar. He served as a crucial bridge between Gandhi and the local peasantry.
- Gandhian Philosophy: He was a staunch exponent of the ‘Constructive Program,’ emphasizing khadi, village industries, and basic education (Nai Talim).
- Educational Contribution: He served as the principal of the Gujarat Vidyapith, an institution established by Gandhi to promote national education, earning him the title ‘Acharya’.
- Salt Satyagraha (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942): He was a front-line organizer during the Salt Satyagraha and was imprisoned multiple times, most notably during the Quit India movement, where he spent over three years in jail.
Leadership in the Indian National Congress
Kripalani held several critical positions within the Congress organization, functioning as its ideological backbone.
- General Secretary: He served as the General Secretary of the Congress for nearly a decade (1934–1946), managing the party’s grassroots machinery during the most volatile years of the freedom struggle.
- Congress Presidency (1946–1947): He was the President of the Indian National Congress during the transfer of power. He led the party during the arduous negotiations with the British Cabinet Mission and the early days of the Interim Government.
- Resignation: He resigned from the Congress Presidency in 1947 due to differences with the leadership (primarily Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel) regarding the role of the party organization in the newly formed government.
Constitutional Role
Kripalani was an active member of the Constituent Assembly of India. His contributions focused on the preservation of civil liberties and fundamental rights. He was a member of several sub-committees, including the Fundamental Rights Sub-Committee, where he advocated for the inclusion of strong protections for individual freedoms against state encroachment.
Post-Independence Politics and Ideology
After independence, Kripalani moved away from the mainstream Congress, becoming a vocal critic of the government’s policies.
- Formation of Political Parties: Frustrated with the Congress, he founded the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party (KMPP) in 1951. This party later merged with the Socialist Party to form the Praja Socialist Party (PSP).
- Role as Opposition Leader: He was a prominent member of the Lok Sabha for several terms. He was known for his sharp oratory skills and his relentless focus on corruption and administrative apathy.
- Emergency (1975–77): During the internal Emergency, he was one of the few veteran leaders who stood against the suspension of democratic rights, consistently calling for the restoration of civil liberties.
Key Facts and Historical Milestones
| Milestone | Significance |
| Champaran (1917) | Facilitated Gandhi’s entry into Bihar politics. |
| Gujarat Vidyapith | Served as Principal; helped define ‘Acharya’. |
| Congress President (1946) | Led the party during the independence negotiations. |
| KMPP (1951) | Founded to represent agrarian and labor interests. |
| Parliamentary Career | Served in the Lok Sabha from 1952 to 1971. |
Trivia and Legacy
- He was married to Sucheta Kripalani, who went on to become the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh).
- He remained a lifelong critic of both the extreme left and extreme right, consistently advocating for a Gandhian socialist model.
- His memoir, ‘My Times: An Autobiography’, provides an insider’s perspective on the internal dynamics of the Congress party and the transition from British rule.
- He was a strong advocate for the freedom of the press and was frequently involved in journalistic efforts to highlight the socio-economic conditions of rural India.
- Throughout his later years, he remained a moral conscience for the Indian political class, often raising issues related to governmental accountability and the integrity of public office.