As the nation commemorates the death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, one of India’s revered leaders and the second Prime Minister, Nitin Gadkari pays heartfelt homage to the architect of the iconic slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’ Shastri’s contributions, spanning from the Indian independence movement to his transformative tenure as Prime Minister, continue to shape the nation’s ethos.
Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Lal Bahadur Shastri emerged as a stalwart in Indian politics. Inspired by luminaries like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Annie Besant, Shastri joined the independence movement in the 1920s. His commitment to social causes was evident when he dropped his caste-derived surname, embodying the spirit of inclusivity.
“Lal Bahadur Shastri’s journey led him to the Indian National Congress, where he held prominent positions, including the presidency of Servants of the People Society founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. Post-independence, he became a key cabinet colleague of Prime Minister Nehru, serving as the Railways Minister and later in various other significant roles, including the Home Minister”.
“As Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri steered the nation through transformative initiatives. Notably, he championed the White Revolution, endorsing the Amul milk co-operative in Anand, Gujarat, and establishing the National Dairy Development Board. Shastri’s emphasis on boosting food production led to the Green Revolution in 1965, significantly increasing food grain production, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh”.
His leadership during the Second India–Pakistan War is etched in history, marked by the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” Shastri’s unwavering support for both soldiers and farmers resonated across the nation, symbolizing unity and resilience.
“Tragically, Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life was cut short as he passed away on January 11, 1966, a day after the formal end of the war with the signing of the Tashkent Declaration. His legacy endures through his vision for a self-reliant and prosperous India”.
