Page 46 - NIS English 2021 November 1-15

आवरण
PERSONALITY ACHARYA JB KRIPALANI
कथा

Acharya of Democracy

The rich traditions and practices of the Indian democracy are showing
the way to the world. However, the transition from a British colony to a
vibrant democracy has been made possible because of the immense
efforts by many great personalities who laid its strong foundation at
the time of independence and remained its true carrier throughout
their lives. These personalities not only played a significant role in the
freedom struggle but despite being at the pinnacle of their political
career abjure power to work on building the modern democracy from
scratch. Acharya Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani is one such living
example of probity and sacrifice....
Born: 11 November 1888, Death: 19 March 1982

n present times Acharya JB Kriplani is mostly Acharya Kripalani is remembered
recognized for the historical accomplishment for his unique and exemplary contribution to
Iof holding the presidency of the Indian National the progress of the nation. He had dedicated
Congress during the transfer of power in 1947 but
more than that his life, ethics, thoughts, and practise himself to empowering the youth and the poor
which are all encompassing and inspiring. As we sections of the people.
celebrate the 75th year of independence the ideals - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
of, Acharya Kripalani becomes even more relevant.
Born on November 11, 1888, in a middle-class family Congress, and JB was made the General Secretary. In
in Hyderabad (Sindh), JB's full name was Jeevatram 1936 he married Sucheta Kriplani, who later became
Bhagwandas Kripalani. After schooling in Sindh, the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. From
JB completed his higher studies at Wilson College, Dandi Yatra, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India
Bombay. It is said that while studying, he fell in love Movement to Noakhali riots, he always accompanied
with English poems but sooner he developed an Gandhiji. He became the first president of the
abomination for the British empire. The partition Congress in independent India. In November 1947,
of Bengal further alienated him after which his he resigned from this post due to differences with
college sent him to DJ Sindh College in Karachi. He Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1950, Acharya Kriplani again
completed his MA from Fergusson College, Pune. contested for the post of Congress President, but this
On April 15, 1917, when Mahatma Gandhi landed time he was defeated by Purushottam Das Tandon.
at Muzaffarpur railway station to lead Satyagraha He resigned from the post of Congress member and
in Champaran, it was JB Kripalani who received him founded Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party. After some time
at the station at midnight. At that time JB was a he merged his party with the Socialist Party of India
Professor of History in Degree College, Muzaffarpur. and a new party was formed which was named Praja
After coming in contact with Gandhiji, JB was inspired Socialist Party. He was elected to the Lok Sabha four
to fight for India's freedom. This was the beginning times in 1952, 1957, 1963, and 1967.
of a new chapter in his life, starting from Champaran The name of Acharya Kriplani is also mentioned in
till later period he became one of the closest aides the history of India's democratic traditions because
of Mahatma Gandhi. He stayed for some time at he was the first person to move a no-confidence
the Banaras Hindu University in 1919 but later took motion against Prime Minister Nehru. Never before
over the responsibility as the principal of Gujarat had any opposition leader even thought of it. This
Vidyapeeth, established by Mahatma Gandhi from no-confidence motion was introduced in Parliament
1920 to 1927. From here 'Acharya' was added to his by Acharya Kripalani after India lost the 1962 war
name. From Gujarat to Maharashtra, the responsibility against China. It is said that after Pandit Nehru,
of Gandhiji's many ashrams remained on him. In Kriplani also opposed Indira Gandhi like JP and Ram
1928, Motilal Nehru became the President of the Manohar Lohia.

44 New India Samachar November 1-15, 2021