Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and champion of social justice.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Remembering Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary. A visionary leader, fierce freedom fighter and an icon of social justice, he dedicated his life to empowering the underprivileged and building a strong India.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda also paid homage to Lohia, describing him as a significant figure in India’s political and social landscape.
“I pay my heartfelt tributes to the great freedom fighter, founder of Sapt Kranti, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia ji on his birth anniversary. Along with setting high standards of purity and transparency in Indian politics, revered Lohia ji paved the way for nation-building through his nationalist thinking and work of social empowerment. The work done by him towards the upliftment of the exploited and deprived classes and for social justice will always inspire us,” Nadda said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Lohia’s contributions to women’s education, social equality, and political integrity.
“Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia ji was one of those great personalities in India’s political and social history who remained dedicated to his principles and patriotic values throughout his life. His thoughts based on women’s education, social equality, and political purity are inspiring for everyone. I pay my homage to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia ji on his birth anniversary,” Shah said.
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia was born on March 23, 1910, in Akbarpur, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar district. He passed away on October 12, 1967.
Lohia played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence and later emerged as a key figure in the country’s socialist political movements. He was associated with the Praja Socialist Party and the Samyukta Socialist Party. In the post-independence era, Lohia remained active in Indian politics, advocating for social justice and empowerment.
In 1962, he contested against then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from Phulpur but lost. He later won a by-election in 1963, becoming a Member of Parliament from Farrukhabad. In 1967, he was elected from the Kannauj constituency.