Commemoration of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s 123rd Birth Anniversary at Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra, Hazaribagh

11 October 2025, Hazaribagh: On the occasion of the 123rd birth anniversary of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), a symposium was organized today at Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Amrit Nagar, under the joint auspices of District Lok Samiti, Hazaribagh and Jagriti, Ranchi.

The event began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tribute to JP’s portrait. The program was graced by eminent personalities including Prof. K. P. Sharma, who in his keynote address highlighted JP’s remarkable contribution to India’s freedom struggle and post-independence politics. He emphasized JP’s lifelong commitment to democracy and his preference to remain a common citizen despite being a towering national leader.

Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti, underlined that real change cannot come merely through power but through people’s awareness and collective action. He described JP as a world humanist and a firm advocate of Gram Swaraj, whose vision extended beyond national boundaries.

In his presidential address, Senior Advocate Mr. Swaroopchand Jain, a veteran of the JP Movement, recalled how JP’s leadership during the Emergency saved Indian democracy from authoritarianism. He said, “The nation remains indebted to JP for his courage and moral conviction.”

Other speakers, including Mr. Shamsher Alam, Mr. Vijay Verma, Mr. Arvind Jha (Advocate), Mr. Nandlal Saw, Mr. Ankit Sharan, Mr. Anand Abhinav, Mr. Ramavatar Bhagat, and Mr. Bateshwar Prasad Mehta, discussed various dimensions of JP’s philosophy—his focus on character-building, non-violent struggle, social reform, and the need for systemic change. They unanimously emphasized that JP’s ideas remain highly relevant in today’s era of corruption, unemployment, and social unrest.

During the event, Mr. Abhay Kumar mesmerized the audience with a rendition of the popular revolutionary song “Jayaprakash Ka Bigul Baja To Jag Uthi Tarunai Hai”, which rekindled the spirit of the JP Movement among attendees.

The symposium was ably conducted by Mr. Shankar Rana, State Convenor, Lok Samiti, Jharkhand, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Ritesh Kumar Gope, Program Manager, NBJK.

Following the symposium, participants paid homage at JP Smriti Sthal, Paranala, Kumhartoli, and collectively resolved to work with the district administration for the development of the memorial site.

The program served as a reminder of JP’s timeless message of truth, non-violence, and participatory democracy—values that continue to inspire generations to build a just and equitable society.