In a country that trivializes and as well celebrates farmers, quotes like “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” is not a mere saying, it’s an emotion. I think Lal Bahadur Shastri captured the raw essence of young and struggling India and described its sentiment perfectly.
A leader who not only sympathizes with his people but also truly understands them is rare. And truth to be said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was a gem, one that isn’t talked about enough.
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About Lal Bahadur Shastri
Born on 2nd October 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was an Indian statesman who served as the second Prime Minister of India after Jawaharlal Nehru. He was the flag bearer for India’s white revolution- a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk. He also spearheaded India’s food production efficiency by promoting the green revolution.
He was also the one who led India during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. His slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (“Hail to the soldier; Hail to the farmer”) is still one of the most revered lines in Indian history.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Zodiac Sign: Libra
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s family
Shastri was born to Sharada Prasad Srivastava and Ramdulari Devi in Mughalsarai in 1904. On 16 May 1928, Shastri married Lalita Devi who was from Mirzapur. The couple had a happy marriage with four sons and two daughters. All of his offspring enjoy a privileged position in society, some of them being renowned political leaders.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s early life & education
Shastri was only a year and 6 months old when his father died of bubonic plague. His mother Smt Ramdulari Devi took care of the children. In the formative years of Shastri’s life he studied in East Central Railway Inter college and Harish Chandra High School, which he left to join the non-cooperation movement.
He then devoted his life for the betterment of Harijans at Muzaffarpur and dropped his caste-derived surname of “Srivastava”. He was heavily influenced by the teachings of Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda & Annie Besant.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Career Trajectory
Influenced by the teachings of a few individuals, he realized his inner calling and joined India’s independence movement. He served as the president of Servants of The People Society (known as Lok Sevak Mandal). He also served a prominent position in the Indian National Congress and led India to its independence.
Following independence in 1947, he joined the Indian government and became one of Prime Minister Nehru’s key cabinet colleagues, first as Railways Minister (1951–56), and then in numerous other prominent positions, including the Home Minister.
After Nehru’s demise, Shastri was appointed as the Prime minister of India in 1964. Under his reign, the country witnessed the Madras anti-Hindi agitation of 1965. He also gave birth to the green and white revolution in India, the result of which is still felt today.
The most important period in Shastri’s tenure was probably the Indo-Pak war in 1965. India made strategic gain over Pakistan by capturing the key post at Haji Pir, in Kashmir, bringing the Pakistani city of Lahore under artillery and mortar fire.
The war ended with a United Nations-mandated ceasefire.
Mysterious Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Unfortunately, India’s second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died a mysterious death hours after signing a peace treaty to end the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. Many Shastri supporters and conspiracy theorists allege foul play.
Officially the result of his death was said to be a heart attack, but a majority of people think otherwise.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Awards
Lal Bahadur Shastri was awarded the Bharat Ratna award (posthumously). The Bharat Ratna is considered the highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
Movies & documentaries influenced by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life
Homage to Lal Bahadur Shastri is a 1967 short documentary film directed by S. Sukhdev and produced by the Films Division of India which pays tribute to the former prime minister.
Apne Shastri Ji made in the year 1986, also pays homage to the immortal soul.
Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan (2015) is a biographical drama portrayed by Akhilesh Jain.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Death, a 2018 television documentary film by Jyoti Kapur Das that recounts his death and covers various conspiracy theories around it, including interviews with his son Sunil Shastri.
A film titled The Tashkent Files (2019), directed by Vivek Agnihotri revolves around the mystery of the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The 1967 film Upkar by Manoj Kumar, which is based on the 1965 war, was dedicated to Shastri.
Lal Bahadur Shastri (2014) is an Indian Malayalam-language comedy film by Rejishh Midhila.
Lessons to learn from Lal Bahadur Shastri
Remembering the legacy of late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, scientist eminent Astro strategist Hirav Shah brings you 2 lessons to learn from Lal Bahadur Shastri:
1- Live simple, think above
During the time of his marriage, the system of giving dowry was rampant. As a young man, Shastri has gravely opposed this oppressive system. But under his in-law’s insistence, he complied but only accepted a charkha (spinning wheel) and some khadi cloth. Even after his demise, he made sure that he had no property in his name and left behind a few books and a dhoti-kurta.
2- Truth and honesty always prevail
Since the children were rarely allowed to use the official car to go to school when their father was Prime Minister, the family decided to buy a Fiat car for Rs. 12,000. The young family took a bank loan for Rs. 5,000, which Shastri’s widowed wife had to fill up after his sudden demise from his minimal pension. On a visit to a textile mill as Prime Minister, when the owner offered to gift him expensive sarees, Shastri insisted on buying and paying for only those he could afford. Truly a person with a heart gold, he rose above selfish inclinations and thought only of the nation.
Conclusion
Many political leaders will come and go, but none would match the dedication and devotion shown by the vivacious Lal Bahadur Shastri. His greater-than-life smile and humility would stay in the hearts of billions of Indians just because he regarded his fellow countrymen as his relatives. I salute the spirit conveyed by such divinity-concludes Business development expert Hirav Shah.
About Hirav Shah
Hirav Shah is an eminent Business Astrologer and Entrepreneur, who can help you reach new levels of success in the coming year. Shah’s unique practice mixes the fundamentals of Astrology with Business Principles, thereby introducing you to a whole new dimension of affluence.
Hirav Shah has an astounding global presence with clients based across various business sectors. He is a big believer in taking massive action, has formulated strategies and made the right strategic bets based on the certainty of outcome to help some of the world’s most renowned brands.
From business setup and expansion to crisis and exit, he can give you a strong Astro based analysis on where to apply leverage and where to cut losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Lal bahadur shashtri was influenced by reading about Swami Vivekananda, Gandhi, and Annie Besant. He was deeply impressed by Gandhi.
What are the qualities of Lal Bahadur?
He was a man of vision who led the country towards progress. Here are 4 qualities of Lal bahadur Shashtri,
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Humility
- Patience
Who is the wife of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Lalita Shastri is the wife of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Image Credit
Viksb, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
