New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid rich tributes to socialist icon Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary and described him as a "multi-faceted personality" who played a pivotal role in mobilising people against colonial rule.

In a message, PM Modi said Lohia was an "outstanding thinker" and one of the foremost voices of social justice.

"Tributes to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Ji on his birth anniversary. He was a multifaceted personality who played a pivotal role in mobilising people against colonial rule and subsequently contributing to the progress of India after 1947," he said.

The prime minister said Lohia's unwavering commitment to the cause of empowering the poor and the marginalised continues to inspire generations.

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"Equally noteworthy are his thoughts on gender equality and participatory governance," he said.

Lohia, a socialist political leader who actively participated in the Independence movement, was born on March 23, 1910 and passed away on October 12, 1967.