Union Minister JP Nadda Pays Emotional Tribute To Father Dr Narayan Lal Nadda At Centenary Celebration In Bilaspur

BJP National President J.P. Nadda turned nostalgic and deeply emotional as he returned to his hometown Bilaspur to attend the Shatayu Samaroh (centenary celebrations) of his father, Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda, a towering figure in Indian academia and one of the foremost educationists of Himachal Pradesh. The occasion marked a profound personal milestone and celebrated the enduring influence of a scholar, reformer, and moral beacon who shaped educational policy and culture for decades.

In a heartfelt address to a packed gathering, Nadda said, “My father gave direction to my life. Whatever I am today, it is because of his ideals and the strength he gave me at every turn.” Reflecting on his formative years, he added, “He never imposed, only inspired. His conduct was his curriculum.”

A Scholar Rooted in Values, Driven by Vision

Born in Bihar, Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda migrated to the hills of Himachal Pradesh in pursuit of academic excellence and public service. A man of deep intellect, he carried with him the legacy of Bihar’s scholastic tradition and seamlessly integrated it into the emerging academic landscape of the newly formed hill state. His journey from the Gangetic plains to the Himalayan heights is symbolic of the transfer of knowledge from one civilisation to another.

His impressive academic career culminated in prestigious posts, including Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University (31.08.1978 - 21.04.1980 and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, where his leadership proved transformative. His policies were student-centric and teacher-empowering, and his insistence on meritocracy led to a more inclusive and transparent education system.

Reflections from the Family: The Voice of His Daughter-in-law

Dr. Malika Nadda’s memoir of her father‑in‑law, the distinguished Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda, is titled “Vidhī Kī Ek Rachnā” (“विधि की एक रचना”), literally meaning “A Composition of Law.” It is an autobiographical work, in which Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda narrates his personal journey—from his early days in Bihar, through his academic pursuits, to his transformative roles as a professor, Vice‑Chancellor of Patna University, and educationist in Himachal Pradesh. The book was formally released in Delhi in July 2019, with the launch ceremony presided over by then Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Adding emotional depth to the tribute, excerpts from a memoir written by his daughter-in-law, Dr. Malika Nadda, offer a rare glimpse into the man behind the public persona. In her evocative portrayal, she writes, “He was a man of profound silence and deeper thoughts. His presence could calm a storm, and his wisdom often flowed not in words but in glances, gestures, and quiet resolve.”

In another moving passage, she recalls:“Baba never raised his voice. He didn’t need to. The sheer weight of his ethics, the dignity with which he carried himself, and the meticulousness of his daily discipline made all of us in the family strive to become better versions of ourselves.”

Her book captures not just the scholar and administrator, but the gentle patriarch who held the family together with quiet strength and spiritual grace. She writes that Dr. Nadda was “an institution in himself, where values were taught not by lecturing, but by living them.”

A Builder of Institutions, A Mentor of Generations

Dr. Nadda’s tenure at the helm of Himachal’s educational institutions was marked by reforms. He modernised school curricula, introduced training modules for teachers, and brought examination transparency to the fore. His advocacy for regional language education, scientific temper, and character-building has had a long-lasting impact on multiple generations of students.

He played a crucial role in building institutional frameworks where ethics stood above expediency, and where rural students were given the tools to rise and compete nationally. Education, for him, was not a ladder for a few, but a bridge for all.

Simplicity Anchored in Substance

Despite holding some of the most powerful positions in the academic hierarchy, Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda remained a man of striking simplicity. He wore humility like a robe, and his spartan lifestyle became legendary in Bilaspur. He often walked to work, interacted freely with students, and remained unaffected by titles or accolades.

His Bihar roots imbued in him a sense of fortitude, while Himachal’s serene mountains shaped his quiet demeanour. This unique confluence made him a revered figure — not just as an educationist but as a moral lighthouse.

“My Father Was My First Institution”: J.P. Nadda

For J.P. Nadda, the occasion was more than a celebration — it was a pilgrimage of gratitude. “My father was my first institution. His teachings will remain etched in my consciousness forever,” he said, acknowledging how his father's integrity became the template for his own public life.

Pressed for time, Nadda couldn’t visit his ancestral village but ensured he met senior citizens and party workers in Bilaspur. “These people are my roots too — they reflect the soil that nurtured my father and me,” he said with folded hands.

People Yearn for Honest Leadership

The centenary celebration had subtle political undertones as well. In a sharp remark directed at the Congress-led Sukhu government, Nadda said, “The people of Himachal are tired of hollow announcements. Governance must reflect intent, not just optics.” He projected the BJP as the rightful claimant to the state's future, with “development grounded in values.”

A Life of 100 Years, A Legacy Beyond Time

The centenary event brought together scholars, students, political leaders, and citizens from across Himachal Pradesh. Cultural programmes, speeches, and tributes reflected the magnitude of Dr. Nadda’s intellectual and ethical legacy. Even at 100, he remains not just a man remembered — but a man revered.

As the event concluded, J.P. Nadda bowed before his father, offering not just respect, but reaffirming the generational contract of values, service, and intellectual pursuit. In an era of moral flux, Dr. Narayan Lal Nadda’s century stands tall — as a testimony to a life well-lived and a legacy that will inspire many more to come.