Lal Bahadur Shastri was a prominent political figure in India, who served as the second Prime Minister of India from 1964 until his untimely death in 1966. He is widely considered to be one of India’s greatest leaders and a symbol of integrity and honesty in public life.
Early Life of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India (now Uttar Pradesh). Lal Bahadur Shastri’s father was Sharada Prasad Srivastava, who was a school teacher before becoming a clerk in the revenue office at Allahabad. His mother was Ramdulari Devi. He was the second child. had an elder sister Kailashi Devi and a younger sister Sundari Devi. When Lal Bahadur Shastri was six months old, his father died in an epidemic of bubonic plague. Lal Bahadur Shastri and his sisters grew up in the home of his maternal grandfather Munshi Hazari Lal after his father died. Shastri started his education at the East Central Railway Inter college in Mughalsarai at the age of four, under the tutelage of a maulvi, Budhan Mian. He was a student there until the sixth grade. Lal Bahadur Shastri began seventh grade at Harish Chandra High School in Varanasi.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Family
Lal Bahadur Shastri married Lalita Devi, a Mirzapur native, on May 16, 1928. Kusum Shastri, Hari Krishna Shastri, Suman Shastri, Anil Shastri, Sunil Shastri, and Ashok Shastri were the couple’s four sons and two daughters. The entire Shastri family continues to participate in social initiatives and is actively involved in shaping relevant forums in India to aid in the country’s growth and advancement.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Independence Activism
Lal Bahadur Shastri was deeply inspired by his teacher and great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. In 1921, he left school to join the non-cooperation movement for India’s freedom. He joined the Congress Party, actively taking part in protests. Though he was arrested, he was released because he was young. Under a leader named Kripalani, he learned about India’s heritage.
In 1925, Shastri graduated with top marks in philosophy and ethics from Kashi Vidyapith. He was given the title “Shastri” which means scholar. He joined a society to help the oppressed and later became its president. In 1928, at Gandhi’s request, he joined the Indian National Congress. He spent over two years in jail for the cause. In 1942, after being released, he joined Gandhi’s call for freedom. He was elected to the United Provinces legislature in 1937 and 1946. Lal Bahadur Shastri was a dedicated freedom fighter who worked tirelessly for India’s independence.
Career In Politics
After India’s independence in 1947, he continued to play an active role in politics, holding various ministerial positions in the government. He was appointed as the Minister of Police and Transport, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and later as the Home Minister.
Prime Minister Of India
In 1964, Shastri was elected as the Prime Minister of India, succeeding Jawaharlal Nehru. He faced several challenges during his tenure, including a war with Pakistan in 1965, and food shortage crisis in the country. He is remembered for his famous slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
Shastri’s leadership was marked by his integrity and honesty, and his dedication to the welfare of the people. He is remembered for his contributions to the country and for his role in shaping India’s domestic and foreign policies. He passed away on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan while attending a peace conference with Pakistan. His legacy continues to inspire many people in India and around the world.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Death
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death date was 11 January 1966. He died in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, one day after signing a peace treaty ending the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
He was hailed as a national hero, and the Vijay Ghat memorial was named after him.
