Tributes to Jayaprakash Narayan mark his 124th birth anniversary

On Sunday, leaders including Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao and CPI leader Shankara Rao paid tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan on his 124th birth anniversary. The gathering honored the veteran leader by garlanding his statue in Vijayawada and reflecting on his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence alongside Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.

Jayaprakash Narayan, known as Lok Nayak, continued to be an influential figure in public life and various people's movements even after the country's independence, according to committee president Tumati Premnath. He led movements to protect democracy, civil liberties and people's rights, and played a key role in rallying opposition parties against the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, under the banner of 'Total Revolution'.

Despite his advancing age and health challenges, Jayaprakash Narayan remained dedicated to upholding democratic values. Speakers emphasized that his sacrifices and commitment to democracy should inspire future generations. The leaders also called upon students and young people to emulate his ideals, stand up for democratic rights, and strive to tackle social inequalities, unemployment, corruption and other forms of injustice.