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Journalism of Courage
The government Wednesday cleared the setting up of a national memorial commemorating socialist icon Jai Prakash Narayan in his birthplace Chhapra in poll-bound Bihar. The decision came on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Emergency.
The national memorial, cleared by the Union Cabinet, will also house a virtual museum and an institute to undertake study and research on democracy, enhancing the role of Panchayats in nation building, Gandhian thoughts and a centre for Khadi and constructive work, keeping in view the thoughts of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan. The Lok Nayak Khadi Gaurav Samvardhan Kendra at the same place will be dedicated to making national flags by women clusters.
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The memorial will be located at Lala Ka Tola, Sitab, Diara in Bihar’s Chhapra (Saran) district.
Recalling the way democratic institutions were muzzled during the Emergency, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh commended Jai Prakash Narayan’s contribution in uniting the nation against what he called was a “black chapter” in the country’s history.
Asked whether the decision was taken with an eye on the impending assembly polls in Bihar, Singh said, “This should not be linked with political gains or losses.” Singh added that honouring stalwarts like JP cannot be viewed through a political prism. Communications and Information Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked those who, despite being associated with the leader, did nothing for the socialist leader in the last 10 years.
Prasad also said that it was an “emotional moment” for him and added that it was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government that had awarded Bharat Ratna to JP and also held his centenary year in 2002.
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