Jayaprakash Narayan

A key figure in India's independence movement and a champion of social justice, known for his nonviolent resistance and advocacy for rural development.

Jayaprakash Narayan (1902–1979), commonly known as JP, was an Indian revolutionary and social reformer who played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and later emerged as a leader of the opposition to authoritarianism. Born in a middle-class family in Orissa, he joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India Movement in the 1920s but later sought more radical solutions to India’s socio-economic challenges. He co-founded the Indian National Congress Socialist Party and later the Bharatiya Janata Sena, advocating for land reforms and workers' rights.

Narayan’s philosophy emphasized moral governance and grassroots democracy. In the 1970s, he led the JP Movement against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s authoritarian policies, organizing mass protests that ultimately led to the 1977 elections. His vision of a ‘total revolution’ focused on eradicating corruption and poverty, inspiring movements like the Lok Sabha reforms. He established the Shanti Sainik Dal, a volunteer group promoting communal harmony and rural development.

Narayan’s writings, such as 《Call to Revolution》, outline his critique of capitalist systems and his vision for a decentralized, equitable society. Though less celebrated than Gandhi or Nehru, his influence on India’s political consciousness and civil society remains profound. The Jayaprakash Narayan National Democratic Institute continues his work in promoting democratic values.