Lal Bahadur Shastri: The Simple Man who Shaped India’s Destiny
Lal Bahadur Shastri was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and the second Prime Minister of India, who is remembered for his contribution towards India’s progress in various fields. He was a man of simplicity, honesty, and integrity who played a crucial role in shaping modern India. Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Varanasi, he was the youngest of three siblings. His father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, was a teacher, and his mother, Ramdulari Devi, was a devout woman.
Early Life and Education:
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s father died when he was just a year old. His mother, who was illiterate, raised him and his siblings by stitching clothes. Despite financial constraints, Shastri excelled in his studies and completed his primary education from a local school. Later, he moved to Varanasi to pursue his higher education. He completed his Bachelor’s degree from Kashi Vidyapeeth and went on to earn a degree in Law from Allahabad University.
Involvement in the Freedom Struggle:
Lal Bahadur Shastri was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and principles. He became an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle and joined the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, which was led by Gandhi. He was arrested for the first time in 1921, at the age of 17, for participating in a student protest against the British Raj.
During the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, Shastri was arrested again and sentenced to two and a half years in prison. During his time in jail, he read extensively and developed a deep understanding of the Indian socio-economic and political system. He was released from prison in 1932, after which he continued to participate in various freedom movements, including the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Political Career:
After India gained independence in 1947, Lal Bahadur Shastri entered politics and became a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. In 1951, he was appointed as the Minister of Police and Transport in the Uttar Pradesh government. Later, he was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs, and his tenure was marked by several reforms that he implemented to improve the police system in the state.
In 1952, Shastri was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. He served as the Minister of Railways from 1952 to 1956 and introduced several reforms to modernize and improve the Indian Railways. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Railway Board and the Railway Staff College.
In 1961, Shastri was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs in the Central government. His tenure was marked by several important decisions, including the appointment of the first woman judge in the Supreme Court of India and the introduction of the National Register of Citizens. In 1964, after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri was appointed as the Prime Minister of India.
Contribution as Prime Minister:
As Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri faced several challenges, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. During the war, he coined the phrase “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” which means “Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer,” to boost the morale of the Indian troops and to encourage farmers to increase food production to meet the country’s needs.
During his tenure, Shastri launched the White Revolution, a campaign to increase milk production in India. He also introduced several economic reforms, including devaluation of the Indian rupee and the nationalization of banks. His efforts in improving India’s agricultural sector and food production helped the country achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
Another significant achievement during Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister was the signing of the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan, which ended the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He was also instrumental in improving India’s relations with other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.
Death and Legacy:
On January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while on a peace mission to resolve the Indo-Pakistani conflict. The cause of his death is still disputed, with some suggesting that he was poisoned. However, no conclusive evidence has been found to support this theory.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. He was a man of great integrity and honesty, who dedicated his life to the service of his country. He believed in simplicity and lived a frugal life, often traveling by third-class train compartments and refusing to use government cars for personal use. His contribution to India’s agricultural and economic progress, as well as his leadership during the Indo-Pakistani War, are remembered with great respect and admiration.
Final remarks
Lal Bahadur Shastri was a remarkable leader who played a pivotal role in India’s journey towards progress and prosperity. He was a man of great integrity, who lived a simple life and dedicated his life to the service of his country. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his contribution towards India’s progress in various fields will always be remembered with great respect and admiration.