Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication

Lal Bahadur Shastri,  pronounced as [lɑːl bəˈhɑːd̪ʊɾ ˈʃɑːst̪ɾi] (listen), was a notable Indian statesman and politician who held the position of India’s second Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966. Prior to this role, he served as India’s sixth Home Minister from 1961 to 1963.

Involved in India’s struggle for independence during the 1920s.

Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Shastri was born to Sharada Prasad Srivastava and Ramdulari Devi. He commenced his education at the East Central Railway Inter College and Harish Chandra High School, but his active participation in the non-cooperation movement led him to leave his studies. He dedicated himself to improving the conditions of Harijans in Muzaffarpur and even relinquished his caste-based surname “Srivastava.” Shastri’s intellectual foundation was shaped by the philosophies of Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Annie Besant, and he became deeply involved in India’s struggle for independence during the 1920s. His significant contributions earned him prominent roles within the Indian National Congress and the Servants of the People Society.

Lal Bahadur Shastri’s journey in the Indian government

Post-independence, Shastri’s journey in the Indian government began, and he became a key figure in Prime Minister Nehru’s cabinet. He held positions such as the Railways Minister (1951–56) and Home Minister, playing a vital role in shaping the nation’s policies and progress. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Shastri championed initiatives like the White Revolution, which aimed to boost milk production through support for the Anand-based Amul milk co-operative and the establishment of the National Dairy Development Board. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in promoting the Green Revolution in India in 1965, resulting in increased food grain production, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Lal Bahadur slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”

Shastri’s leadership was put to the test during the Second India–Pakistan War, where his slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail to the soldier; Hail to the farmer) resonated deeply. His administration played a key role in bringing the war to a close with the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966. Tragically, Shastri passed away the following day.

Personal challenges

His early years were marked by personal challenges, losing his father at a young age to the bubonic plague and growing up in the care of his maternal family. Despite these circumstances, he received a solid education, thanks in part to his great-uncle Bindeshwari Prasad, who was a school teacher and his family’s primary caregiver. Shastri’s inclination towards patriotism was fostered by his teachers, particularly Nishkameshwar Prasad Mishra, and he embarked on a path of political activism, influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.

Shastri’s commitment to public service led him to become a life member of the Servants of the People Society, established by Lala Lajpat Rai. He dedicated himself to the upliftment of Harijans, and eventually became the President of the Society.

In conclusion, Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life was one of dedication, resilience, and impactful leadership, leaving an indelible mark on India’s history.

Shastri actively joined the ranks of the Indian National Congress

In 1928, responding to Mahatma Gandhi’s call, Shastri actively joined the ranks of the Indian National Congress, marking a pivotal step in his political journey. His commitment to the cause led to his imprisonment for a duration of two and a half years. In 1937, he took on the role of Organizing Secretary for the Parliamentary Board of U.P., further solidifying his influence within the political landscape.[23] Demonstrating his dedication to the struggle for independence, he underwent a one-year prison sentence in 1940 for his participation in individual Satyagraha actions.[24]

On August 8, 1942, during the historic Quit India movement, Mahatma Gandhi delivered his seminal speech at Gowalia Tank in Bombay, demanding the British withdrawal from India. Shastri, freshly released from a year of incarceration, swiftly traveled to Allahabad. From the confines of Jawaharlal Nehru’s residence, Anand Bhavan, he provided strategic guidance to the freedom fighters for a week.[25] Earning his place as a representative of the United Provinces in both 1937 and 1946, Shastri continued to leave his mark on the political landscape.[26]

Cabinet minister

In the wake of India’s independence, Shastri was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in his home state of Uttar Pradesh.[27] Subsequently, under the leadership of Govind Ballabh Pant, he assumed the roles of Minister of Police and Transport on August 15, 1947, succeeding Rafi Ahmed Kidwai’s transition to a ministerial position at the center. His tenure as Transport Minister was marked by groundbreaking decisions, including the appointment of women conductors. In his role as overseer of the Police Department, he advocated the use of water jets to manage unruly crowds, shifting away from traditional lathis.[28] Serving during a critical period, his stewardship saw the effective quelling of communal tensions in 1947, the organization of mass migrations, and the resettlement of refugees.[29]

In 1951, Shastri’s influence grew as he assumed the role of General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee, working alongside Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He held direct responsibility for candidate selection, guiding publicity efforts, and shaping election strategies. His strategic prowess played a crucial role in securing resounding victories for the Congress Party in the Indian General Elections of 1952, 1957, and 1962. In the 1952 UP Vidhansabha elections, he secured a triumph from the Soraon North cum Phulpur West constituency, garnering an impressive 69% of the vote. His anticipated role as the home minister of UP took an unexpected turn as he was called to the center by Nehru, appointed as the Minister of Railways and Transport in the inaugural Cabinet of the Republic of India on May 13, 1952.[30] His ministerial journey continued, encompassing roles such as Minister of Commerce and Industry in 1959 and Minister of Home Affairs in 1961.[31] Additionally, Shastri’s legacy extended to infrastructural advancements, exemplified by his initiation of the Mangalore Port’s foundation in 1964 during his tenure as a minister without portfolio.[32]