Journalism of Courage
The political generation born during the Emergency was fully dedicated to democratic values, inspired by J P Narayan, said the prime minister.
At the meeting of Opposition leaders in New Delhi (From Lto R), Jayaprakash Narayan, Raj Narain, Morarji Desai and LK Advani. (Photo: Express Archives)
“The biggest message that came out of the anti-Emergency struggle was the inspiration to fight repression. So many people in politics today owe their initial days to those days of Emergency, JP Movement, Navnirman Movement … they gave birth to a new kind of politics in the nation,” the Prime Minister said.
Social Activist Jayaprakash Narayan. (Photo: Express Archives)
The Prime Minister also visited the residences of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former NDA Convenor George Fernandes who had played a significant role in the fight for democracy in those days.
Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya JB Kriplani, Morarji Desai, Atal Behari Vajpayee, Raj Narain and others at meeting held in Central Hall of Parliament in New Delhi on March 24, 1977. (Photo: Express Archives)
Observing that the struggle by Jayaprakash Narayan for democracy should be taken as a benchmark, he said Narayan's speeches reflected the “deep anguish” of the people who suffered during Emergency.
Acharya Narendra Deva, Jayaprakash Narayan and JP's wife Prabhavati Devi between them. (Photo: Express Archives)
