🚨 Get your Google Knowledge Panel
◉ Displays your name, photo, and profession in Google Search
Click here to get started now
Jayaprakash Narayan
Jayaprakash Narayan (11 October 1902 – 8 October 1979), popularly known as Loknayak, was an Indian freedom fighter, political leader, and social reformer. He is best known for leading the Total Revolution movement and for his pivotal role during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi.[1]
| File:Jayaprakash Narayan.jpg | |
| Jayaprakash Narayan in later years | |
| Born | 11 October 1902 (age 122) Sitabdiara, Bihar, British India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Activist, Politician, Social Reformer |
| Years active | 1920s–1979 |
| Known for | Total Revolution, JP Movement, Anti-Emergency Protest |
| Notable works | Total Revolution, Leadership during Emergency (1975–77) |
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (posthumous, 1999) |
| Spouse(s) | Prabhavati Devi |
| Children | |
| Parents | |
| Religion | |
| Website | Official Government Portal |
Early Life and Education
He was born in Sitabdiara village in Bihar and pursued higher studies in the United States. There, he studied Marxism, sociology, and political science at institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Iowa.[2]
Role in Indian Freedom Movement
After returning to India, JP joined the Indian National Congress and later became a founding member of the Congress Socialist Party in 1934. He participated actively in the freedom struggle and was imprisoned several times by the British colonial government.[3]
Total Revolution
In the 1970s, deeply concerned by corruption and authoritarianism in Indian politics, Jayaprakash Narayan initiated the idea of a "Total Revolution" (Sampoorna Kranti), which called for transformation in social, political, economic, and educational spheres.[4]
Emergency Period
He emerged as the face of resistance during the Emergency (1975–77) declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His leadership was instrumental in uniting opposition parties, leading to the formation of the Janata Party which defeated the Congress Party in the 1977 elections.[5]
Legacy
- Revered as the "Loknayak" or People's Leader.
- Declined all political posts including that of Prime Minister.
- A key inspiration for leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and George Fernandes.
- Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1999.
- Numerous parks, roads, and institutions across India are named in his honor.
Notable Works
- Leadership in the Total Revolution movement
- Founding the Congress Socialist Party
- Inspiration for youth-led JP Movement (1974)
- Resistance against Emergency
Awards
- Bharat Ratna (1999, posthumous)
- Commemorated by India Post with a stamp
- Honored in school textbooks and public institutions
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jayaprakash-Narayan
- ↑ https://www.thebetterindia.com/107959/jayaprakash-narayan-facts/
- ↑ https://www.culturalindia.net/reformers/jayaprakash-narayan.html
- ↑ https://indianexpress.com/article/india/remembering-jayaprakash-narayan-5452683/
- ↑ https://scroll.in/article/850127/the-man-who-could-not-be-silenced-how-jayaprakash-narayan-changed-india