New Delhi, Apr 5 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that Babu Jagjivan Ramji was one of the tallest leaders of India after the Independence.

"His life symbolizes the liberation and progress of dalits in democratic India. I feel proud to pay tribute to his stellar contribution to our nation's development and the empowerment of our people on this auspicious occasion," Dr Singh said the Babu Jagjivan Ram centenary function here.

He went on to say that Babu Jagjivan Ram's life and work continue to "inspire us even today. He was a true nationalist, a true secular minded person, a great administrator and, above all, a great son of Mother India."

"A grateful nation derives inspiration from his remarkable record of public service," Dr. Singh added.

"History always recalls with respect those who take a firm stand in defence of what they believe in. Babu Jagjivan Ramji was one such revered leader whose legacy of service to the nation and commitment to the welfare of the downtrodden will inspire generations to come," said the Prime Minister.

Dr Singh further said that Babu Jagjivan Ram was a distinguished parliamentarian, "an outstanding member of the Cabinets of Panditji, Shastriji, Indiraji and Morarjibhai, and a highly regarded administrator."

"Both in the fight against poverty and hunger and the fight against external aggression he was looked upon to provide firm and determined leadership. And what a leadership the nation received from him! It was truly exceptional in every sense of the term," he added.

ANI