Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan

 Jayaprakash Narayan (1902–1979), popularly known as Lok Nayak ("People's Leader"), was a pivotal Indian independence activist, theorist, and political leader. He is best remembered for leading the mid-1970s opposition against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and calling for a "Total Revolution" (Sampoorna Kranti) to combat corruption and protect democracy. 

Key Contributions & Movements

Freedom Struggle: A prominent socialist within the Indian National Congress, he played a heroic role in the Quit India Movement (1942), often operating from the underground to resist British rule.

Socialism & Sarvodaya: Co-founded the Congress Socialist Party and later the Praja Socialist Party. After 1954, he withdrew from active party politics to dedicate himself to the Bhoodan Movement (land gift) alongside Vinoba Bhave, advocating for the welfare of all (Sarvodaya).

Total Revolution (1974): In response to corruption and misrule, he emerged from retirement to lead a mass student-led movement in Bihar, eventually forming a broad alliance that led to the creation of the Janata Party and the first non-Congress government at the Centre in 1977. 

Recognition & Legacy

Bharat Ratna: Awarded India’s highest civilian honour posthumously in 1999 for his "invaluable contribution to the freedom struggle and upliftment of the poor".

Ramon Magsaysay Award: Received in 1965 for Public Service.

Major Works: His writings, including the "Prison Diary" written during the Emergency, remain influential texts on Indian political thought.

Public Landmarks: The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is named in his honour.