Ram Manohar Lohia’s Role In The Indian Freedom Struggle
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 15
- 1 min read
Siddhika Chandrashekhar Larokar, B.A.LL.B. (Honours in Adjudication and Justicing), Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
ABSTRACT
This article analyzes the multi-faceted contributions of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia to the Indian freedom struggle, his unique socialist philosophy, and the framing of his philosophical thought in the Indian Constitution. Lohia's vision diverged from Gandhi's gradualism and Marxist determinism in advocating a socialism that is decentralized, egalitarian, and culturally embedded. The article analyzes his valuable contribution to the Quit India Movement, underground movements of resistance, global campaigning, and post-colonial activism, as exemplified through the Goa Liberation Movement. It further explains how his ideas on reservation based on caste, gender equality, decentralization, and social justice influenced key constitutional provisions such as 15(4), 16(4), 40, and the Directive Principles of State Policy. Using a doctrinal research approach, this article argues that, despite the fact that Lohia's vision of socialism was not fully achieved, his ideas continue to influence India's democratic and legal order. His legacy is in the encouragement of an inclusive concept of justice, equity, and participatory democracy.
