V.P SINGH- A CHAMPION OF COMMUNAL HARMONY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Former Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh died on thursday 27 th November 2008 after a prolonged illness. He was 77. He had been suffering from multiple myeloma and chronic renal failure for long. He had been under going treatment at the Apollo Hospital, the Mayoclinic(US) and Bombay Hospital since over 12 years. He born on june 25, 1931, Mr Singh began his political carrer with the congress and was a Minister in Indira Gandhi's Council of Ministers before be became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on june 9,1980. V.P Singh was a peoples leader who gave the lead for bringing to end the corrupt administration and setting up a secular and progressive governmment. He had always adopted a firm stand against communal fascists. He gave the lead for uniting democratic forces against the demolition of the Babrimasjid. He took steps for providing benefits including reservation to a section which was kept suppressed socially and economically for centuries. His steps were a driving force for the surge of the backward communities throghout the country. He had contributed much for the develoment of Kerala. He would always find as unforgettable place in the history of the country. He had taken the initiative to implement the Mandal Commission report.

V.P Singh was the champion of social justicee and secularism. The country had lost a great patriot and Nation- builder whose empathy for the weaker sections would always be etched in national consciousness As chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he consistently strove to translate his convictions in to public policy. Even after being afflicted with a debelitating disease, he continued to be at the forefront of the struggle for social justice. He had always been highly sensitive to the social realities of the country. The country has lost a leader of rare distinction aand commitment. Throughout his life, he constanly strove for the betterment of the poorest among poor, especially those who belonged to the deprived sections of society and minorities. India has lost an eminent social and political leader who had actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement and worked hard for the uplift of the socially disadvantaged sections of society. He will for long be remembered as a champion of communal harmony and social justice

PROF. JOHN KURAKAR