On March 23, 2025, India is set to observe the 115th birth anniversary of Ram Manohar Lohia, a formidable figure in the country’s political history. Lohia, born in 1910, is celebrated for his visionary ideas on socialism which sought to eradicate poverty and inequality.
Lohia’s vision of socialism was deeply rooted in the socio-economic realities of India. He proposed a framework that synthesized Marxist economics and Gandhian ethics, aiming for democratic decentralization and social justice. He famously articulated that the “evil combination of poverty and inequality benumbs the body and coarsens the mind of the nation.” This resonated with millions as he outlined a six-point plan for a new socialism emphasizing civil disobedience, decentralised governance, and maximum attainable equality.
At the heart of Lohia’s ideology was the concept of a “Four-Pillar State,” wherein power would be distributed at four levels—village, district, province, and center. This structure was designed to prevent centralization of power, thereby strengthening grassroots democracy. His advocacy for decentralization also echoed during the discussions around the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of 1992, which aimed at enhancing local governance.
Lohia’s ambition didn’t stop there; he envisioned a series of revolutions referred to as “Sapta Kranti” or seven revolutions to dismantle inequalities across caste, class, and gender. He emphasized the need to tackle traditional hierarchies that hindered social progress, and called for affirmative action towards establishing economic democracy.
In contrast, Lohia’s socialism sharply diverged from that of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. While Nehru’s approach was characterized by state-led industrialization and a mixed economy, Lohia was critical of the Nehru government and moved India's first no-confidence motion against it in 1963. Nehru focused on gradual social change through planned industrial development whereas Lohia insisted on more immediate transformative action, particularly concerning caste eradication and individual liberties.
The ideological rift between Lohia and Nehru extended beyond socialism to the role of the state itself. Lohia expressed a skeptical view of the state’s potential for oppression, whereas Nehru saw it as an essential instrument for change. Lohia’s decentralization aligned with his belief in empowering local communities, particularly in opposition to the centralized power that he feared would lead to oppression.
Through his political activism in the 1950s, Lohia launched anti-Congressism—a powerful critique of a political culture that allowed elites to monopolize power. He urged various opposition parties to unite against the Congress to promote a multiparty system in India. This vision was realized during the 1967 general elections when several non-Congress coalitions emerged in power at state levels, significantly altering the political landscape of India, paving the way for future coalition politics.
His ideas have had lasting impacts, as they continue to inspire various political movements across India. Prominent leaders such as Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Nitish Kumar have drawn on Lohia’s emphasis on caste-based equality and the empowerment of marginalized communities. His thoughts foster debates on issues surrounding caste, language, and the necessity of grassroots democracy in contemporary society.
In a recent event organized by the Socialist Study Center Trust titled “Remembering Ram Manohar Lohia,” various speakers, including advocates and writers, are set to gather to discuss Lohia’s significant contributions to political philosophy and social justice. The event highlights Lohia's continuing relevance in current social and political discourse, particularly his insights into inequality and democracy.
Despite his revolutionary contributions, some argue that Lohia has not received the recognition he deserves, often overshadowed by more prominent figures within the freedom movement. His ideas, though occasionally misunderstood during his time, remain crucial in understanding the ongoing struggles against social injustices in India today.
As he is remembered today, Lohia stands as a beacon for those advocating equality, urging the need for a society that truly dismantles the barriers imposed by inequality and injustice. His legacy continues to inspire new generations seeking social change.
