Every year on June 5, Sampoorn Kranti Diwas is celebrated in India. It is a significant event that is still celebrated till date in India. This day represents the powerful call for the complete transformation of Indian society and governance made by the respected leader Jayprakash Narayan in 1974.
Why People Were Unhappy
During the early 1970s, India’s atmosphere was tense. The public was extremely frustrated by the corruption that was going on, and on top of that, the rates were reaching heights with a lack of job opportunities for the youth, leading to unemployment. Some people at that time felt that the government was not truly listening to its citizens. Amid all this, the students’ protest in Bihar came to light, led by JP Narayan, who was a respected follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
JP’s Vision for Complete Change
On this day only, JP delivered his historic speech in front of a huge crowd in Patna. He told people about his vision of “Sampoorn Kranti,” which means total revolution. This was not only seen as a demand for change to the government, but also as a start to reform the necessary aspects of the nation. JP spoke for the political revolution to ensure fair elections and decentralize power, a social revolution to eradicate caste and religious discrimination, and an economic revolution to tackle poverty and inequality. He also called for a cultural revolution to improve societal values, an intellectual revolution to foster critical thinking, an educational revolution to reform the schooling system, and even a spiritual revolution for individual moral upliftment.
The Movement’s Lasting Impact
JP’s words of wisdom moved the crowd, and they felt relatable, after which it turned into a nationwide movement, with hundreds of people participating, especially from the young age group. This powerful movement directly challenged Indira Gandhi’s government. Its widespread influence is also one of the reasons that led to the declaration of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, a period when civil liberties were suspended and many opposition leaders, including JP, were imprisoned.
But the seed of the Total Revolution was sown. After the Emergency was lifted in 1977, various opposition parties united, forming the Janata Party under JP’s guidance. This alliance successfully defeated the Congress party. It became a big move in India’s political history.
Today, Sampoorna Kranti Diwas reminds us of the strength of public movements in a democracy and the urge to continuously strive for necessary changes in today’s world.
