Will always be remembered for dedication to public service: PM Modi on Ram Vilas Paswan's birth anniversary
New Delhi, July 5
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary on Sunday, recalling his contributions to the upliftment of weaker and deprived sections of society.
Ram Vilas Paswan, born on July 5, 1946, in Bihar's Khagaria, was the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party and served as a member of both Houses -- nine times in Lok Sabha and twice in Rajya Sabha.
He served as the Cabinet Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the first two terms of the Modi government.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the birth anniversary of former Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji, my heartfelt tribute to him. He made significant contributions to the upliftment of society's deprived and weaker sections. He will always be remembered for his dedication to public service and national service."
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan's son and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, "On the birth anniversary of the founder of the party, my leader, my father, the revered Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji, heartfelt thanks to you for paying homage to him, Honourable Prime Minister ji."
"Your respectful words are an inspiration to all of us. The ideals of social justice, service, and equality of the revered Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji will forever continue to guide us," the LJP (RV) chief added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, taking to X, said, "Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji's entire life was dedicated to the welfare of the poor. During the Emergency, he waged a long struggle to protect democratic values and civil rights, enduring numerous tortures. His contributions to democracy and nation-building will forever remain a source of inspiration. On the birth anniversary of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji, I offer millions of salutations to him."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to Ram Vilas Paswan on his birth anniversary, and said, "His entire public life was dedicated to social justice, democratic values, and the struggle for the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and the deprived. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji always placed human sensitivities above all and made continuous efforts to ensure that, in the policy-making process as well, the person standing in the last row of society also receives justice, opportunity, and respect. I bow to his memory."
Meanwhile, the birth anniversary of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, founder of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and former Union Minister, will be celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm on Sunday across Bihar.
A grand ceremony will be held at the party's state office in Patna to mark the occasion. This will be attended by party office-bearers and workers from various districts of Bihar.
Speaking to the media, Utsav Seth, the Youth District Working President of LJP (RV), stated that 35 to 40 workers from the party's youth wing in Gaya district would travel to Patna to participate in the event.
He further mentioned that banners and posters have been put up at various locations across Gaya city to mark the birth anniversary, and party workers will organise tribute programs to pay their respects to the late Ram Vilas Paswan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Emergency period was one of the darkest chapters, and Paswan ji stood tall for civil rights. That kind of courage is rare. I'm glad the younger generation like Chirag Paswan is carrying forward his ideals. A fitting tribute from the PM.
While it's good to see cross-party respect, I hope the government also keeps his vision of a robust PDS alive in practice. Sometimes policy announcements don't match ground reality, especially in rural Bihar. But yes, his dedication to public service is undeniable.
Remember him as a tireless leader who always spoke for the poor. His journey from Khagaria to being a nine-time MP is nothing short of inspirational. भारतीय राजनीति में ऐसे नेताओं की कमी है। (Indian politics lacks such leaders.)
The way his son Chirag Paswan responded shows great humility too. It's nice to see the PMO acknowledging contributions even from allies who have passed on. This is how a mature democracy functions. Let's hope his work on social justice continues to inspire.
Paswan ji's legacy is especially important for Bihar's Dalit communities. He gave them a political voice when few others did. But we also need to see real empowerment—education, jobs, and land rights. Tributes are good, but action on the ground matters more. Just saying.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.