Murli Manohar Joshi is a well-known Indian politician, scholar, and a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has played a crucial role in shaping India’s political landscape, particularly in the fields of education and national development. He has served in various key positions, including as the Minister of Human Resource Development and Minister of Science and Technology.
In this article, we will explore his early life, education, political career, and contributions to India.
Early Life and Background
Murli Manohar Joshi was born on January 5, 1934, in Delhi, British India. His family originally belonged to Almora, a beautiful region in present-day Uttarakhand. His father’s name was Manmohan Joshi.
From an early age, Joshi was influenced by nationalist ideologies and was drawn toward the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization.
Education and Academic Career
Joshi was an exceptionally bright student. He completed his B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) from Meerut College and later pursued M.Sc. (Master of Science) from Allahabad University, one of India’s most prestigious universities.
He specialized in Physics and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Spectroscopy from the same university. Interestingly, he was among the first scholars to publish a research paper in Physics in Hindi, which was a groundbreaking achievement.
After completing his studies, Joshi became a Professor of Physics at Allahabad University. He was a respected teacher and influenced many students during his academic career.
Entry into Politics
Murli Manohar Joshi’s political journey started in his student days when he became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He actively participated in various nationalist movements, including:
- Cow Protection Movement (1953-54)
- Kumbh Kisan Andolan (1955) – A farmers’ protest in Uttar Pradesh
- Emergency Period (1975-77) – Joshi was jailed for protesting against the government
In 1977, after the Emergency, Joshi was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Almora, Uttarakhand.
Founding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
After the fall of the Janata Party government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was formed in 1980, and Murli Manohar Joshi became one of its founding members. He held various key roles within the party, including:
- General Secretary – Managed party affairs across different states
- Party Treasurer – Handled financial matters of BJP
- Party President (1991-1993) – Led the party at a crucial time
Major Political Achievements
1. Ekta Yatra (1991-92)
In 1991, Joshi led the Ekta Yatra, a nationwide rally to promote national unity and oppose separatist movements. The rally started from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, and ended in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, where he hoisted the Indian flag on January 26, 1992.
2. Minister of Human Resource Development (1998-2004)
Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, Joshi served as the Minister of Human Resource Development. His contributions included:
- Promoting Indian culture and values in the education system
- Encouraging scientific research and technology
- Supporting the use of Hindi and Sanskrit in education
3. Minister of Science and Technology (1998-2004)
As the Minister of Science and Technology, Joshi played a key role in developing scientific research and innovation in India. He promoted:
- Space research programs
- Nuclear science and technology
- Indigenous research and development projects
4. Member of Parliament
Joshi has been elected as an MP multiple times, representing different constituencies:
- Almora (1977-1980)
- Allahabad (1996-2004)
- Varanasi (2009-2014)
- Kanpur (2014-2019)
In 2014, he vacated his Varanasi seat for Narendra Modi, who later became India’s Prime Minister.
Key Ideologies and Beliefs
Murli Manohar Joshi has been deeply influenced by:
- Babasaheb Ambedkar – Advocate of social justice
- Mahatma Jyotiba Phule – Social reformer and educationist
- Deendayal Upadhyaya – Proponent of Integral Humanism
His political philosophy includes:
- Promotion of Indian culture and heritage
- Strengthening India’s self-reliance
- Reforming the education system
Honors and Awards
In 2017, Murli Manohar Joshi was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to politics, education, and science.
He has also been recognized as a “Proud Past Alumni” by Allahabad University.
Legacy and Impact
Murli Manohar Joshi’s contribution to Indian politics and education is immense. His efforts have:
- Strengthened national integration
- Modernized science and technology
- Influenced education reforms
Even after retiring from active politics, he continues to be a respected figure in India.
Murli Manohar Joshi is a visionary leader who has played a vital role in India’s development. From being a dedicated scholar to a senior BJP leader, his journey is an inspiration to many.
His contributions to education, science, and national unity will always be remembered.
If you liked this post related to films, then please share it on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram or | Youtube