Lal Bahadur Shastri, born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, India, was a prominent leader and the second Prime Minister of India. He played a crucial role in India’s journey to independence and its post-independence development.
Shastri Ji actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule. His commitment to truth and non-violence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, shaped his political career. After India gained independence in 1947, he held various ministerial positions within the government.
In 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Prime Minister of India following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru. His tenure was marked by several significant events. During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he displayed exemplary leadership, and under his guidance, India achieved a ceasefire and maintained its territorial integrity.
One of Shastri Ji’s most famous slogans was “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), emphasizing the importance of both the armed forces and the agricultural sector in India’s progress. He promoted the Green Revolution, which led to increased agricultural productivity and food security.
Known for his simplicity and humility, Shastri Ji set an example for public servants. His untimely death in Tashkent in 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan to end the war, remains a subject of curiosity.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy lives on in India’s history. His birth anniversary, celebrated on October 2nd, is observed as Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, a day to remember his contributions to the nation. His dedication to the principles of truth, non-violence, and public service continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Relatively unknown facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri:
- Stammering: Shastri Ji had a speech impediment; he stammered when speaking. Despite this challenge, he worked hard to overcome it and became an eloquent and impactful speaker later in life.
- Early Orphanhood: He lost his father when he was just a year old. His mother, Ramdulari Devi, played a significant role in his upbringing and education.
- Name Change: His original name was Lal Bahadur Srivastava. He later changed his surname from Srivastava to Shastri, which means scholar or learned person, after he graduated from Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi.
- Journey in a Third-Class Compartment: As a minister in the government, Shastri once traveled in a third-class compartment on a train. This act of simplicity and humility endeared him to the common people.
- Posthumous Bharat Ratna: Lal Bahadur Shastri was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1966.
- First to Fly in a MiG-21: Shastri Ji became the first Indian Prime Minister to fly in a supersonic jet aircraft when he flew in a MiG-21 fighter aircraft.
- Slogan Origin: While “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” is often associated with Shastri Ji, the slogan was coined by him during a public rally to boost the morale of Indian soldiers and encourage agricultural self-sufficiency.
- Promotion of Khadi: He was a strong advocate of promoting Khadi (handspun and handwoven fabric) and made it a symbol of self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement.
- Prize for Honesty: As a young student, he once found a purse containing money and promptly handed it over to the police. For his honesty, he was awarded a silver coin by his school.
- Conflict with China: Shastri Ji had to deal with the India-China conflict during his tenure as Prime Minister. The 1965 war with Pakistan and border tensions with China were significant challenges he faced.
These lesser-known facts shed light on the remarkable personality, humility, and dedication of Lal Bahadur Shastri, a leader who left an indelible mark on India’s history.
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