Friday, March 22, 2019
Biography of Manabendra Nath Roy:
Manabendra Nath Roy, also known as M. N. Roy, was a prominent Indian revolutionary, philosopher, and political theorist who played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. Born on March 21, 1887, in Arbelia, Bengal (now in Bangladesh), M. N. Roy was a multifaceted figure known for his contributions to various fields.
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| Manabendra Nath Roy |
Here is an overview of his life and contributions:
Early Life and Revolutionary Activities of Manabendra Nath Roy:
1. Early Activism: M. N. Roy became involved in political activities during his youth, aligning himself with revolutionary groups seeking India's independence from British rule.
2. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): He was associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, a revolutionary organization led by figures like Bhagat Singh. However, he distanced himself from violent methods and later moved toward socialist ideologies.
International Influence and Ideological Shift:
1. Visit to Mexico: In the early 1920s, M. N. Roy traveled to Mexico, where he was deeply influenced by the Mexican Revolution. This experience had a profound impact on his political thought.
2. Communist International: Roy joined the Communist International (Comintern) and became associated with the global communist movement. He attended the Comintern Congresses and worked closely with international communist leaders.
Shift to Radical Humanism:
1. Critique of Soviet Communism: Disillusioned with the direction of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, M. N. Roy distanced himself from orthodox Marxist-Leninist principles.
2. Radical Humanism: Roy developed the philosophy of Radical Humanism, emphasizing individual freedom, reason, and human dignity. He sought to combine elements of socialism and humanism in his political and philosophical writings.
Political and Academic Career:
1. Founding of the Radical Democratic Party: In 1940, M. N. Roy founded the Radical Democratic Party in India, advocating for democratic socialism and secularism.
2. United Nations: After India gained independence, Roy represented the country at the United Nations from 1946 to 1947.
3. Later Years: M. N. Roy continued his intellectual and political pursuits, contributing to debates on socialism, democracy, and humanism.
Literary Contributions:
1. Authorship: M. N. Roy was a prolific writer and authored several books, essays, and articles on politics, philosophy, and social issues.
2. Notable Works: Some of his notable works include "India in Transition," "New Humanism," and "Reason, Romanticism, and Revolution."
Personal Life and Death of Manabendra Nath Roy:
M. N. Roy was married to Ellen Gottschalk, and they had a daughter, Indira. He lived in various countries during his lifetime, including the Soviet Union, Mexico, and India.
M. N. Roy passed away on January 25, 1954, in Dehradun, India.
M. N. Roy's legacy is characterized by his contributions to India's independence movement, his involvement in international socialist and communist circles, and his development of the philosophy of Radical Humanism. His intellectual pursuits and evolving political ideologies reflect a complex and dynamic engagement with the social and political challenges of his time.