Lal Bahadur Shastri the second prime minister of India, was born on October 2, 1904, in a Kayastha family of Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh. He served as sixth home minister of India from 1961 to 1963. He became the second prime minister of India from 1964 to 1966. He gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kishan” which emphasized the importance of both soldiers and farmers to build and develop a nation. He is always remembered for his simplicity and great leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 earned him the nation’s respect.
In this article, we will see about Lal Bahadur Shastri’s biography in detail.
Overview of Lal Bahadur Shashtri
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lal Bahadur Shastri |
| Born | October 2, 1904 |
| Place of Birth | Mughalsarai, United Provinces, British India (now in Uttar Pradesh, India) |
| Died | January 11, 1966 |
| Place of Death | Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, Soviet Union (now in Uzbekistan) |
| Tenure as Prime Minister | June 9, 1964 – January 11, 1966 |
| Predecessor | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Successor | Gulzarilal Nanda (Acting) |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Notable Contributions/Actions |
– Promotion of the White Revolution – a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk. Advocated for the Green Revolution in India to increase food grain production. – Coined the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer) during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. – Played a crucial role in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, leading India to victory. |
| Education | Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, where he was awarded the title of ‘Shastri’ (scholar). |
| Early Career | Active participant in the Indian independence movement, holding various positions in the Indian National Congress and government. |
| Legacy | Remembered for his simplicity, integrity, and leadership during a critical period in India’s history. |
Early life of Lal Bahadur Shashtri
Lal bahadur shastri is born on October 2, 1904. Ramdulari Devi and Sharada Prasad Shrivastava are the parents of Lal Bahadur Shastri. When Shastri Ji was 2 years then his father Sharada Prasad who was a school teacher passed away. His mother, Ramdulari Devi, took him and his two sisters to their maternal grandfather Hazari Lal’s home. After completing his early education in Varanasi, Shastri Ji moved to stay with his maternal uncle. Upon graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi in 1925, he was conferred with the title “Shastri”, which signifies a “scholar” or someone proficient in the “Holy Scriptures.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri Family
Shastri Ji’s father was a schoolteacher and his mother was a homemaker. After the early loss of his father Shastri Ji faced many challenges. Shastri Ji married Lalita Shastri the youngest daughter of Ganesh Shastri. The couple was blessed with 6 children of which 4 are sons(Hari Krishna Shastri, Anil Shastri, Sunil Shastri, and Ashok Shastri) and 2 are daughters(Kusum Shastri, and Suma Shastri).
Lal Bahadur Shastri Independent Activism
Lal Bahadur Shastri, inspired by his teacher Mr. Mishra, became interested in India’s fight for freedom. He read stories of brave leaders like Gandhi and Vivekananda. In 1921, while still in school, Shastri attended a meeting led by Gandhi and Madan Mohan Malaviya where he was inspired by Gandhi’s words and then Shastri Ji left school and joined the freedom movement. He joined the local Congress party as a volunteer and took part in protests against the British government.
He was soon caught and put in jail, but because he was young, he was released. J.B. Kripalani, a leader close to Gandhi, recognized the need for young people to continue their education. He and a friend started a special school, Kashi Vidyapith, where students learned about India’s history and culture. Shastri Ji was among the first students to graduate from the Vidyapith, earning a degree in philosophy and ethics. He was given the title “Shastri” (scholar), which became part of his name.
After that Lal Bahadur Shastri became a member of Lala Lajpat Rai’s Party (Lok Sevak Mandal) and started working for the betterment of the Harijans in Muzaffarpur under Gandhi’s leadership. He later became the Party’s President.
Shastri Ji joined the Indian National Congress as an active member in 1928 at Gandhi’s request. He spent two and a half years in jail. After that in 1937, he served as the Organising Secretary of the U.P. Parliamentary Board. He was imprisoned for a year in 1940 for his involvement in the independence movement.
In 1942, Gandhi gave a famous speech demanding the British to leave India. Shastri Ji who was just out of jail and then joined the movement in his city. He was also elected to the state government in 1937 and 1946.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’si Political Career
- In 1946 Shastri was appointed as parliamentary secretary of Uttar Pradesh
- In 1951 Shastri ji became General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee where he played a crucial role in the party’s election victories.
- From 1951-1956 he served as a minister for railways and transport.
- From 1956-1963 he held various cabinet positions including Minister for Commerce and Industry and Home Ministry.
- In 1961 he established the Committee on prevention of Corruptionn that demonstrates commitment to good governance.
- In 1964 he became prime minister after the death of Jawaharlal Lal Nehru.
Lal Bahadur Shastri PM Tenure
Shastri Ji became PM in 1964. Though his short tenure of 18 months he worked on various challenges.
- Food Shortage: During the tenure of Shastri Ji, India was facing a big problem with not enough food to feed everyone. then he started the green revolution in which he encouraged the use of new farming techniques and high-yielding crops, which became the foundation of the Green Revolution that helped India become more self-sufficient in food production.
- 1965 Indo-Pak War: Pakistan attacked India in 1965 but Shastri Ji showed strong leadership. The Indian army fought bravely, and under Shastri Ji, India emerged strong. After the war, Shastri Ji played a key role in bringing peace by signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan PM Ayub Khan.
- Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan: Shastri Ji launched this popular slogan to emphasize the importance of both the soldiers who defend the nation and the farmers who grow the food.
- White Revolution: Shastri Ji recognized the need for more milk. He supported initiatives to increase milk production in India, which is called the White Revolution.
His leadership style is very simple and honest. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and his commitment to honesty. He is always remembered as one of the best Prime Minister of India.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Achivements
- He Laid the foundation stone for Bal Vidya Mandir, a prestigious school in Lucknow, on November 19, 1964.
- He Opened the Central Institute of Technology Campus in Tharamani, Chennai, in November 1964.
- He Opened the Chennai Port Trust’s Jawahar Dock in November 1964.
- He Laid the foundation stone for the Almatti Dam in Karnataka.
- He Approved the development of nuclear explosives as suggested by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha.
- He Opened the Plutonium Reprocessing Plant in Trombay in 1965.
- He Opened the Sainik School Balachadi in Gujarat.
- He Established the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute to promote scholarly activity between India and Canada.
- He was Awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously (highest civilian honor).
- A memorial was established in Delhi in his honor named “Vijay Ghat”.
LalBahadurr Shastri Death
Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan due to a heart attack. His death occurred just one day after he signed a peace treaty to end the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
Lal BahadurShastri’si legacy
Shastri Ji was always known for his simple lifestyle and dedication to public service. Shastri Ji promoted unity and resilience. Shastri Ji was also a great leader who believed in peace. Shastri Ji’s contributions to India’s development and his leadership during challenging times continue to inspire generations.
FAQs on Lal Bahadur Shastri
When Lal Bahdur Shastri was Born?
Lal Bahdur Shastri was Born October 2, 1904, in a Kayastha family of Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Slogan?
Famous slogan of Lal Bahadur Shastri is “Jai Jawan Jai Kishan“
What are the inspiring quotes of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
“We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.”
When Lal Bahadur Shastri Died?
Lal Bahadur Shastri died on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan due to heart attack.
Which agreement Lal Bahadurr Shastri signed with Ayub Khan for peace?
Lal Bahdur Shastri signed Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan PM Ayub Khan for peace between the two nations.