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Patna, Oct 11 (IANS) Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on his 123rd birth anniversary at the great leader’s ancestral village Sitab Diara in Bihar’s Saran district.
Radhakrishnan undertook a day-long visit to Bihar, during which he paid floral tributes at the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Memorial, and visited the Lok Nayak Smriti Bhavan and Prabhavati Library in Sitab Diara.
On arrival at Patna’s Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, the Vice President was welcomed by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and senior officials of the state.
Addressing a public gathering at Sitab Diara, Radhakrishnan called it an honor to stand on the sacred soil of the birthplace of one of India’s greatest leaders – a true people’s hero and tireless warrior for justice and democracy.
The Vice President said, “This day is not just to pay tribute to a great leader but to celebrate the ideal that put the nation above self, values above power and people above politics.”
Radhakrishnan lauded Jayaprakash Narayan’s role as the conscience keeper of Indian democracy and said that from the freedom struggle to the call for Sampoorna Kranti (total revolution), his life exemplified moral courage, simplicity and sacrifice.
He observed that Lok Nayak had no desire for power, he had rejected the highest positions given to him.
Radhakrishnan recalled JP’s belief, “His strength came from moral authority, not political ambition.”
The Vice President also highlighted the important role of JP in the Bhoodan movement, which inspired communities to rise above selfishness and work for the collective good.
Recalling his association with the Total Revolution movement, Radhakrishnan said it was a personal privilege to be a part of it as a 19-year-old district general secretary in Coimbatore, inspired by the ideals of the folk hero.
He also paid tribute to JP’s wife Prabhavati Devi for her selfless dedication in India’s freedom movement.
Describing Jayaprakash Narayan as a champion of people’s empowerment who placed people’s power above state power, the Vice President said that today India’s democratic strength rests on the same principles of transparency, accountability, public service and moral courage that JP had upheld.
Radhakrishnan asserted, “As India moves towards Developed India in 2047, it is essential to imbibe the ideals of the Lok Nayak to build a vibrant, inclusive and value-driven nation.”
Concluding his address, the Vice President said that Bihar has given India one of its greatest sons and called on the citizens to renew their commitment to truth, justice, non-violence and people power, values for which Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan stood throughout his life.
–IANS
AJK/UK