Jayaprakash Narayan

Why is news? Shah to visit Jayaprakash Narayan’s village in Bihar

Jayaprakash Narayan (11 October 1902 – 8 October 1979), popularly referred to as JP or Lok Nayak (Hindi for "People's leader"), was an Indian independence activist, theorist, socialist and political leader.

He is remembered for leading the mid-1970s opposition against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, for whose overthrow he had called for a "total revolution".

His biography, Jayaprakash, was written by his nationalist friend and the writer of Hindi literature, Rambriksh Benipuri.

In 1999, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of his social service. Other awards include the Magsaysay award for Public Service in 1965.

Jayaprakash Narayan was born in Sitabdiara village between Ballia District of Uttar Pradesh and Saran District of Bihar.

Harsudayal Narayan, Jayaprakash Narayan's father, was a minor officer in the State Government's canal department and frequently travelled throughout the region.

In 1921 he joined the Non-cooperation movement and was influenced by Gandhian Ideology.

In 1929, he joined the Indian National Congress at the invitation of Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Participated in Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM): Jayaprakash Narayan participated in CDM against British rule in India and was also sentenced to a year’s imprisonment in 1932.

Formation of Congress Socialist Party (CSP): He played a key role in the formation of the Congress Socialist Party (1934), a left-wing group within the Congress Party.

Other key members of the CSP- Acharya Narendra Deva, Ram Manohar Lohia, Minoo Masani, Achyut Patvardhan and Ashok Mehta.

Second World War: He was imprisoned in 1939 for his opposition to Indian involvement in World War II on Britain’s side, but he managed to flee and attempted to organize armed resistance against the British government during Quit India Movement.

After independence, he left Congress in 1948 and started an anti-congress movement. Later, he formed Praja Socialist Party (PSP) in 1952.

Participation in Bhoodan Movement: In 1954, he devoted his time exclusively to Vinoba Bhave led Bhoodan Movement which demanded land redistribution to the landless.