Radhakrishna was the central figure who kept the J.P. movement alive and ongoing- Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna

The book ‘Mahatma Gandhi ki Drishti, Radhakrishna ka Udyam, Jeevan Vichar va Karya’ launched at IGNCA

New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Kalakosa Division, organised a book launch and discussion for the work titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi ki Drishti, Radhakrishna ka Udyam, Jeevan Vichar va Karya’. The speakers for the book launch and discussion session included Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna, the author and Chief Executive of the Gandhian Forum; Dr. Lakshmi Das, Vice President of the Harijan Sevak Sangh; Shri Mathew Cherian, President of Care India; and Dr. Harish Bhalla, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Foundation. The session was presided over by Shri Rambahadur Rai, President of IGNCA.  Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, delivered the opening remarks at the event, which was moderated by Prof. Sudhir Lall, Head of the Kalakosa Division.

Presiding over the event, Shri Rambahadur Rai reminisced that this year marks the centenary of both Radhakrishna and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who set ideals in economic, social, and political spheres, contributing to India’s nation-building. He highlighted that Radhakrishna was surrounded by principled individuals whom he supported wholeheartedly. Referring to the Kudalkar Commission set up under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s directive, Shri Rai recalled that it aimed to label Radhakrishna and others as CIA agents. Despite these challenges, Radhakrishna remained calm and dedicated to his mission, demonstrating how one can stand firm against power. Comparing Radhakrishna to Congress leader K. Kamaraj, he stated that just as Kamaraj was instrumental in making Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi Prime Ministers, Radhakrishna played a pivotal role in supporting Morarji Desai for the same position. He noted that while Jagjivan Ram was dismissed for proposing the Emergency, Chaudhary Charan Singh was deemed unsuitable due to his temperament. Shri Rai also mentioned that Radhakrishna, despite holding an education in Industrial Chemistry from BHU, chose the path of service at Sevagram instead of working with major industrialists.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi outlined the context behind the book’s publication. He expressed satisfaction that the book has been released in the centenary year of Radhakrishna ji’s birth, a truly fitting tribute. He further acknowledged that the publication was made possible through Dr. Shobhana’s dedicated efforts. Highlighting Radhakrishna ji’s commitment to Gandhian principles, he shared how Radhakrishna ji tirelessly worked to convey Gandhiji’s vision and teachings to the younger generation. Dr. Joshi concluded by noting that it was only fitting for the book to have emerged during this significant milestone year. Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna, daughter of K.S. Radhakrishna, shared that her book would not have been possible without the guidance of Shri Rambahadur Rai. Reflecting on her father’s life, she expressed regret that his pivotal role in the J.P. Movement has often been overlooked, even though he was a central figure who kept the movement alive and ongoing.  She noted that it was especially meaningful that the book was being released in the centenary year of his birth. Recounting his contributions, she emphasised that from 1946 through five decades of post-Gandhian movements, he was a stalwart of the Sarvodaya Movement. Dr. Shobhana also recalled a letter written by her father during the Emergency from prison, in which he mentioned how fellow activists supported each other and never allowed hardship to overshadow their resolve. Lamenting how his contributions during the Emergency have been scarcely documented, Dr. Shobhana reiterated that this book details his steadfast opposition to the Emergency, despite the immense difficulties faced by his family. She honoured her father’s legacy, describing him as an unsung hero whose enduring influence continues to inspire. Recalling their time at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, she shared memories of how Jayaprakash Narayan, the pioneer of the Sampoorna Kranti, stayed with Radhakrishna ji there, and the hardships they endured during the Emergency. She mentioned that prior to this, during Gandhi’s centenary year, when Gandhi Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan visited India, he chose to stay at the Gandhi Peace Foundation instead of accepting the government’s hospitality. Shobhana Radhakrishna further shared that during the Emergency, Shri Radhakrishna continued to work underground for a year before being arrested. Fundamentally, Radhakrishna was a freedom fighter and, later on, counted among the nation builders. He was also imprisoned during the Quit India Movement.

Dr. Lakshmi Das recalled that when he first joined the Sarvodaya Movement, he was quite radical. He believed that someone living such a comfortable life could not truly be a Gandhian. He also shared an interesting anecdote about the plan to remove Radhakrishna from the position of Secretary at the Gandhi Peace Foundation. When it came time to consider who could replace him, no suitable candidate was found, highlighting the lack of alternatives to Radhakrishna. The Gandhians needed individuals like him who could implement various projects, such as dams and irrigation schemes for rural India, through different Gandhian organisations.  Dr. Harish Bhalla recalled his arrival from Indore in 1973 and how he became associated with Radhakrishna. He noted that under Radhakrishna’s leadership, there was an open exchange of ideas within Gandhian organisations. Radhakrishna was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and became a motivating force for many other Gandhists and Sarvodaya workers. He contributed to the editing and publishing of various Gandhian journals and was involved in formulating action plans for what society should look like in the post-Gandhi era.

Shri Mathew Cherian referenced the meeting at Sevagram that took place after Gandhi’s assassination, where discussions were held regarding the future of India in the post-Gandhi era. Among those present at that significant meeting, which included figures like Vinoba Bhave and Pandit Nehru, was Radhakrishna. In conclusion, Prof. Sudhir Lall expressed hope that the Arts Centre would continue to advance this dialogue in the future. In conclusion, Prof. Sudhir Lall expressed hope that IGNCA would continue to advance this dialogue in the future.