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Introduction:

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, is renowned for his integrity and humility, making significant contributions to the nation’s development. His service in various capacities marked him as one of the most grounded personalities in Indian history.

Body:

  1. Economic Challenges:
    • Post the 1962 war with China, India faced economic repercussions, compounded by failed monsoons and a severe food crisis.
    • The 1965 war with Pakistan added to the existing challenges.
  2. ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ Slogan:
    • Shastri’s iconic slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ captured the nation’s determination to overcome challenges and served as a rallying cry during tough times.
  3. Leadership during Crisis:
    • Shastri’s humble yet resolute leadership guided India through adversity.
    • He promoted agricultural reforms, including the White Revolution and Green Revolution, addressing food shortages.
  4. Against Caste Prejudice:
    • Born Lal Bahadur Shrivastava, Shastri opposed the caste system and dropped his surname, reflecting his commitment to equality.
  5. The Title ‘Shastri’:
    • The title ‘Shastri,’ meaning a scholar of holy scriptures, resonated with his hands-on approach during challenging situations, displaying true leadership.
  6. Accountability:
    • As the Railway Minister, Shastri resigned following a train accident in 1956, exemplifying accountability and earning praise from leaders like Nehru.
  7. Practice Before Preaching:
    • During the 1965 war and food shortage, Shastri’s personal sacrifice—his family skipping a meal a day—preceded his public appeal for similar sacrifices.
  8. Moral Public and Private Life:
    • Shastri’s insistence on moral values extended to his personal life, as seen in his strict accounting for official resources used by his family.
  9. Belief in Character:
    • Emphasizing character and moral strength in his Independence Day speech, Shastri laid the foundation for personal growth and national development.

Conclusion:

  • Shastri’s tenure fostered self-sufficiency and laid the groundwork for India’s later emergence as a foodgrain exporter.
  • His ideas and actions uplifted the nation’s morale in the 1960s, and the foundations he set contributed to future industrial growth. Shastri’s legacy endures as a symbol of leadership, integrity, and commitment to the nation’s well-being.
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish April 28, 2025