Jagdev Prasad (1922-1974) was a fearless leader from Bihar who fought for the cause of the backward and downtrodden sections of the society.



Hailing from a humble background, the young Jagdev had to undergo many hardships to pursue his studies. However, neither the financial difficulties nor the caste-based ostracism could deter him, and he went on to secure a Master's Degree in Economics from the Patna University in 1950.



The socialist ideology of Ram Manohar Lohia had a tremendous influence on Jagdev Prasad. He joined the Socialist Party and contributed his mite to fight social inequalities and economic exploitation, which continued to stain the social fabric of lndia, despite the attainment of freedom. He entered electoral politics in 1957 when Ram Manohar Lohia inspired him to contest from the Sasaram Lok Sabha Constituency. However, unaccustomed with the ways of contemporary politics, he lost the election.



In 1967, he contested for the 4th Bihar Assembly from Kurtha and emerged victorious. He played an important role in forming the first ever  coalition government in Bihar with Mahamaya Prasad Singh as the Chief Minister. He also made a mark as the Minister in-charge of the Health portfolio in the Government. However, Jagdev Prasad soon realised that there was no honourable representation of the backward and downtrodden sections in the Government. When his attempts to rectify the situation met with stubborn resistance, he left the Government and the Party in anguish and formed his own 'Shosit Dal'. His fight for the cause of the backward and downtrodden sections of the people saw a number of Governments- all coalitions-being formed and pulled down. His relentless struggle for the upliftment of the weaker sections was markedly distinct in the political milieu of his times. However, his stand was vindicated subsequently when the Union Government itself took note of the handicaps embedded in our social structure which prevented the backward sections of the society from realising their legitimate aspirations and appointed the Backward Classes Commission and later, implemented the recommendations contained in the Commission's report.



Jagdev Prasad was also noted for his suave penmanship. His journalistic career started in 1953 with 'Janata', the organ of the Socialist Party. Later, he also edited the English weekly, 'Citizen' and the Hindi weekly,  'Uday'.



The life and political career of Jagdev Prasad had an unfortunate end in 1974, when he received a bullet shot in his neck in the confusion which arose out of the police firing at a rally in Kurtha, which he was addressing.



The Department  of Posts  is happy to issue a postage stamp in honour of this charismatic leader.


Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India