Murli Manohar Joshi: A Pillar of Indian Politics

Early Life and Education of Murli Manohar Joshi

Murli Manohar Joshi was born on January 5, 1934, in Delhi, British India. His family roots trace back to Almora in the Kumaon region, now part of Uttarakhand. Joshi completed his early education in Chandpur, Bijnor district, and Almora. He earned his B.Sc. from Meerut College and M.Sc. from Allahabad University, where he also obtained his Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in spectroscopy. Notably, he published a pioneering research paper in Physics in Hindi.

Academic Career of Murli Manohar Joshi

Before venturing into politics, Joshi was a respected professor of physics at Allahabad University. He is credited with being the first to publish a research paper in Hindi in the field of Physics, demonstrating his commitment to promoting the use of the national language in scientific discourse.

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Political Career of Murli Manohar Joshi

Joshi’s political journey began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his college days. He actively participated in the Cow Protection Movement (1953–54) and the Kumbh Kisan Andolan in Uttar Pradesh (1955). During the Emergency period (1975–1977), he was imprisoned until the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, after which he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Almora.

Murli Manohar Joshi Rise in BJP

Joshi played a crucial role in the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980 after the split of the Janata Party. He served as General Secretary and later as Party Treasurer. As General Secretary, he was responsible for overseeing Bihar, Bengal, and the North-Eastern states. He became the BJP President from 1991 to 1993, during which he significantly shaped the party’s strategies and policies.

Ministerial Tenure of Murli Manohar Joshi

Joshi held several key ministerial positions in the Indian government. He served briefly as the Minister of Home Affairs in 1996 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. From 1998 to 2004, he was the Minister of Human Resource Development and the Minister of Science and Technology in the National Democratic Alliance government. During his tenure, he implemented several reforms and policies that had a lasting impact on India’s education and technology sectors.

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Notable Contributions of Murli Manohar Joshi

One of Joshi’s significant initiatives was the “Ekta Yatra” in December 1991, aimed at promoting national unity and opposing separatist movements. The yatra, which started in Kanyakumari and covered 14 states, concluded in Jammu and Kashmir on January 26, 1992. Despite facing challenges, the rally underscored the BJP’s commitment to national integrity.

Later Years and Legacy

Joshi was a three-term Member of Parliament from Allahabad before losing in the 2004 elections. He subsequently won the election to the 15th Lok Sabha from Varanasi in 2009 and later from Kanpur in 2014. He vacated his Varanasi seat for Narendra Modi in the 2014 elections.

In recognition of his contributions, Joshi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2017. He remains an influential figure in Indian politics, known for his dedication to the country’s development and national unity.

Personal Life of Murli Manohar Joshi

Joshi married Tarla Joshi in 1956 in an arranged marriage. The couple has two daughters, Nivedita and Priyamvada. His personal life, marked by traditional values and strong family bonds, complements his professional achievements, making him a respected figure both in politics and in society.

Awards and Honors Achieved By Murli Manohar Joshi

• Padma Vibhushan (2017): India’s second-highest civilian honor awarded in recognition of his significant contributions to politics and education.

Murli Manohar Joshi’s legacy as a scholar, politician, and patriot continues to inspire future generations. His commitment to India’s progress and unity remains a testament to his enduring influence on the nation’s political landscape.