New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other political leaders on Sunday paid tribute to Maharaja Agrasen, Nanaji Deshmukh and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan on the occasion of their birth anniversaries.

Prime Minister Modi, in a series of posts on X, highlighted the contributions and enduring legacies of the three eminent personalities.

“Maharaja Agrasen, a pioneer of public service and social harmony, continues to inspire us to follow the path of humanity through his life and ideals. His profound thoughts will remain a perennial source of inspiration for India’s cultural resurgence,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Remembering Nanaji Deshmukh,PM Modi described him as an exceptional nation-builder who demonstrated through his thoughts and actions that genuine transformation begins at the grassroots level.

“His life represented a unique confluence of political commitment and constructive social work. He dedicated himself to rural development and community participation. We will leave no stone unturned in realising his vision of a strong and self-reliant India,” the Prime Minister said.

Paying tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, PM Modi observed that his influence had transcended generations. He noted that Narayan instilled in people the belief that public life could serve as a means of rebuilding the nation. The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of his fearless voice during the Emergency.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh, revered as a sage of the nation, eminent thinker, social reformer and pioneer of the concept of “Gram Uday” (rural upliftment), had led a life that exemplified sacrifice, service and selfless dedication.

He noted that Deshmukh devoted his entire life, energy and time to rural development, Gram Swaraj (village self-governance) and Antyodaya (the upliftment of the poorest and most marginalised sections of society).

“His commitment to humanity and his exceptional contribution to nation-building will continue to inspire generations to come,”Rajnath Singh said.

Paying tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan, the Defence Minister described his life as a testament to an unwavering commitment to democratic values and national interests.

Rajnath Singh said Narayan’s call for “Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution) embodied a resolve to uphold integrity in politics, accountability in governance and ethical renewal in society.

“During the dark period of the Emergency, he opposed authoritarianism with extraordinary courage. His struggle to protect the Constitution, civil liberties and democratic rights will forever remain etched in Indian history,” he said.

Rajnath Singh added that Narayan’s life served as a reminder that principles must take precedence over power and national interests must remain above personal gains.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said Nanaji Deshmukh had wholeheartedly embraced the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and dedicated himself to the upliftment of the most disadvantaged, rural development and self-reliance.

Amit Shah said Deshmukh’s unwavering loyalty to the organisation and his outstanding contribution to nation-building would continue to inspire young people.

Recalling Jayaprakash Narayan’s legacy, Amit Shah said his life was devoted to the nation and society, from mobilising young people during India’s freedom struggle to empowering rural communities and pursuing the ideal of “Sarvodaya” (the welfare of all) after Independence.

He added that Narayan’s call for “Sampoorna Kranti” during the Emergency became the collective voice of millions of Indians.

Amit Shah said Narayan’s lifelong dedication to the nation and society would continue to guide future generations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar