Linguistic States have made India stronger: Dr. JP

November 1, which witnessed the formation of linguistic States, is as important at August 15 when the country attained Independence and January 26 when it became a republic, said Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.

Addressing a meeting after unfurling the national flag at the party headquarters to mark the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Dr. JP pointed out that nation builders opted for constitution of linguistic States as part of their mission to build a strong federal republic. In the early days of Independence, national leaders built India as a quasi-federal setup by concentrating power in the Government of India to preserve the country’s unity. Constitution of linguistic States subsequently promoted unity and facilitated India’s emergence as a strong federation. That neglect of any language would lead to catastrophic consequences is evident from the happenings in Yugoslavia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Dr. JP said language continues to be a binding force, whatever are the differences among people under umpteen counts.

Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma, party’s Working President, and a large number of party activists took part in the festivities.