About
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lal Bahadur Shastri |
| Real Name | Lal Bahadur Shrivastava |
| Nickname | Shastriji |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1904 |
| Date of Death | January 11, 1966 (Not shown, as deceased) |
| Birth Place | Mughalsarai, United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), British India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Qualifications | Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Ethics |
| Father’s Name | Sharada Prasad Shrivastava |
| Mother’s Name | Ramdulari Devi |
| Other Family Members | Kusum Shastri (Wife), Anil Shastri (Son), Hari Krishna Shastri (Son) |
| Political Party Name | Indian National Congress (INC) |
| Constituency Name | Allahabad |
| Career Started On Date | 1928 |
Biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Early Life and Background: Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), British India. His parents, Sharada Prasad Shrivastava and Ramdulari Devi instilled in him strong values of honesty, simplicity, and patriotism. His parents’ middle-class background shaped his worldview and later influenced his leadership style.
Education and Early Involvement in Freedom Movement: Shastri’s commitment to education led him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Ethics from Kashi Vidyapeeth. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for nonviolent resistance, he became actively involved in India’s struggle for independence during his student years. He participated in protests, boycotts, and movements against British rule.
Political Ideology and Vision: Shastri’s ideology was deeply rooted in Gandhian principles of nonviolence, self-reliance, and social justice. He believed in a simple and honest way of life, and these values guided his actions throughout his political career. His vision for India encompassed alleviating poverty, promoting rural development, and ensuring social equality.
Involvement in Indian National Congress: Shastri’s political journey gained momentum as he joined the Indian National Congress. His leadership skills and dedication caught the attention of prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. He rose through the ranks within the party and became a key figure in the struggle for India’s freedom.
Challenges and Contributions
- Role in the Salt Satyagraha: Shastri actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha and was imprisoned for his role in the movement against the British salt tax.
- Post-Independence Roles: After India gained independence, Shastri held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Railways and Minister of Home Affairs, where he focused on improving administrative efficiency and addressing security concerns.
- Green Revolution: As Prime Minister, Shastri promoted the Green Revolution, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern farming techniques and high-yielding varieties of crops.
- Tackling Food Shortage: During his tenure, India faced a severe food shortage. Shastri urged the nation to observe a voluntary one-meal day to conserve food, setting an example of self-sacrifice.
- Leadership During the 1965 War: Shastri’s leadership during the India-Pakistan war of 1965 demonstrated his determination and composure in the face of adversity. He coined the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) to boost morale on both fronts.
- Foreign Policy: Shastri maintained a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy, striving for peaceful coexistence with other nations.
Legacy and Interesting Facts
- Shastri was known for his simplicity and integrity. He used to travel in third-class train compartments and lived a modest life, which earned him the respect of the masses.
- He resigned as the Railway Minister after a major train accident as a matter of moral responsibility, showcasing his accountability and ethical standards.
- His sudden death in Tashkent in 1966, soon after signing the Tashkent Agreement to end the India-Pakistan war, remains a subject of speculation and intrigue.
- The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie is named in his honor, as a testament to his administrative acumen.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to the principles of truth, justice, and service to the nation. Despite his relatively short tenure as Prime Minister, he left an indelible mark on India’s history, embodying the values of simplicity, selflessness, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister was relatively short, but he initiated several important developments and policies. Here is a list of some of the key developments and projects started during his time:
- Green Revolution: Shastri’s government promoted the Green Revolution, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of modern farming techniques, high-yielding varieties of seeds, and improved irrigation methods.
- Food Self-Sufficiency: He emphasized food self-sufficiency and urged the nation to observe a voluntary “skip-a-meal” campaign to conserve food resources during a period of food shortage.
- Nationalization of Banks: Shastri’s government took steps towards nationalizing major banks in India, leading to the creation of 14 major banks that were nationalized in 1969.
- Anti-Poverty Programs: His government initiated programs to address poverty and unemployment, focusing on rural development, land reforms, and employment generation.
- Expansion of Public Sector: Shastri supported the expansion of the public sector, especially in the areas of steel, coal, and heavy industries, to promote economic growth and self-reliance.
- Nuclear Program: His government continued to develop India’s nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes, with a focus on research and technology development.
- Promotion of Small Industries: Shastri encouraged the growth of small-scale industries to promote local entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities.
- Foreign Policy: He pursued a policy of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, maintaining India’s neutrality in the midst of global Cold War tensions.
- Price Control: In the face of rising food prices, Shastri’s government implemented price controls to prevent inflation and ensure affordable food for the masses.
- Agricultural Research Institutes: Efforts were made to establish and strengthen agricultural research institutes to improve farming techniques and crop yields.
- Public Distribution System: The Public Distribution System (PDS) was expanded to ensure the availability of essential commodities at subsidized rates to the poor and marginalized.
- Border Infrastructure: Given the strategic importance of border areas, his government worked on improving infrastructure and connectivity in border regions.
- War Efforts: During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Shastri’s leadership guided the nation’s defense efforts and he played a crucial role in the successful outcome of the war.
It’s important to note that Lal Bahadur Shastri’s time as Prime Minister was relatively short, as he served from 1964 to 1966. Despite the limited duration, his policies and initiatives laid the foundation for several important developments in India’s growth and progress.
Elections won by Lal Bahadur Shastri
| Year | Constituency / Parliament Seat | Votes Collected | Winning Margin | Party Name | Opposite Candidate | Opposition Party Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | 134,640 | 83,558 | Indian National Congress | Raj Narain | Socialist Party |
| 1957 | Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh | 151,248 | 109,529 | Indian National Congress | Raj Narain | Socialist Party |
| 1962 | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 123,208 | 64,768 | Indian National Congress | S. P. Verma | Independent |