Delhi, 11 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid rich tributes to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary, recalling his indomitable spirit, democratic ideals, and unyielding courage during one of India’s darkest political chapters — the Emergency.

Sharing a few rare glimpses from the archives, the Prime Minister posted excerpts from Jayaprakash Narayan’s notable work Prison Diary, written in confinement during the Emergency in 1975. “On Loknayak JP’s birth anniversary, a rare glimpse from the archives... Here are pages from his book, Prison Diary, written during the Emergency,” PM Modi wrote in his social media post 'X'.

Highlighting JP’s deep anguish yet unwavering faith in democracy, PM Modi quoted one of the most poignant lines from Prison Diary: “Every nail driven into the coffin of Indian democracy is like a nail driven into my heart.”

He added that the volume stands as a timeless testament to JP’s belief in liberty, people's rights, and the moral conscience of the nation.

Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, affectionately called JP, was one of the most influential political and social leaders of twentieth-century India.

Born on October 11, 1902, in Sitabdiara village of Bihar, he became a symbol of the people’s struggle against authoritarianism. After leading the Quit India movement alongside Mahatma Gandhi, he later spearheaded the people’s campaign against the Emergency, emerging as the moral face of India’s fight to restore democracy.PM Modi described him as “one of India’s most fearless voices of conscience and a tireless champion for democracy and social justice.”

The Prime Minister said that JP’s life continues to inspire generations to uphold the ideals of truth, freedom and the power of collective action for social change.Jayaprakash Narayan’s enduring legacy as the “Loknayak” — the people’s leader — remains etched in India’s political consciousness. His vision of a just and democratic society continues to guide the nation’s journey toward transparency, equality and moral integrity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar