Jayaprakash Narayan: Selected Works, Volume IX (1966-1972)

Jayaprakash Narayan (1902-79) was one of the most prominent leaders and thinkers that India produced in modern times. Although he never sought power for himself, he played a major role not only in the struggle for independence, but also in the Socialist and Sarvodaya Movements and finally in the movement for strengthening democracy, popularly known as the J.P. Movement. This series of volumes has been planned with a view to presenting as comprehensive a picture as possible of the evolution of J.P.’s political life and thought through his writings, speeches and letters. As he was in many ways a mirror of his times, it is hoped that the series will also provide glimpses of the main currents of ideas and movements during the times in which he lived and worked. The present volume covers the period from early 1966 to early 1972. Just as the previous volume, it shows J.P. preoccupied with the Bhoodan-Gramdan Movement and at the same time actively concerned with the other socio-political problems faced by the country from time to time. This often led him to be embroiled in political controversies where he found himself attacked by both sides of the fence. However, J.P. was not at all deterred by it and continued to pursue his chosen path provided it seemed to him to be based on the principles of justice and fair play and served the interests of the country. The best illustration in this regard is provided by J.P.’s role in the solution of the Kashmir problem and this volume contains the texts of numerous letters of J.P. addressed to Indian as well as Kashmiri leaders, not previously available to the public. The same is true of his role in the liberation of Bangladesh, and his communication with the leaders of Bangladesh regarding the desirability of their taking the initiative in fostering regional cooperation in South Asia.