[Letter to Kripalani]

Summary

In this letter from Camp Nabinagar (Gaya), dated June 20, 1963, Jayaprakash Narayan replies to Acharya J. B. Kripalani’s letters and attached proposals. Narayan says that, although he agrees with some of Kripalani’s views, he does not want to be associated with the proposed political initiative. He rejects party and power politics and distances himself from efforts aimed at winning political power.

Key points

• Narayan acknowledges agreement with some of Kripalani’s ideas but refuses association with the proposed initiative.
• He rejects party politics and power politics as the basis for his public activity.
• He states that armaments cannot settle political or social issues.
• He presents non-violent resistance as an idea and practice he is trying to explain to his countrymen.
• He says he could support a non-party, non-power-oriented national effort directed toward positive and constructive work.
• The document is a typed true copy of a one-page letter dated June 20, 1963.