Jagjivan Ram was man of the moment during Bangla liberation: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday lauded Babu Jagjivan Ram for his role at the time of the liberation of Bangladesh by calling him “the man of the moment”. Speaking at Babu Jagjivan Ram Centenary Function, the Prime Minister said standing next to Indira Gandhi, Ram inspired “our people and our jawans”.

Calling him one of the tallest leaders of post-independence India, Singh said his life symbolised the liberation and progress of Dalits in democratic India. “As a young man, he participated in the struggle for independence and commanded the attention and admiration of none less than Mahatma Gandhi himself. He faced social discrimination and economic hardships and yet remained firm in overcoming these challenges, even from his school days. No wonder that Babuji became the icon for all those who fought for social justice which was at the core of our freedom struggle,” Singh said.

Delivering the valedictory centenary lecture on the occasion, President Pratibha Patil said “we now need a second Green Revolution that will enhance our agricultural productivity and make India an agrarian superpower”. She urged all to work towards this objective.

“Providing access to primary education to all is our firm commitment. We have to make special efforts for children from under-privileged backgrounds.”