Lal Bahadur Shastri


Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughalsarai, on 2 October, 1904. His father's name was Sharada Prasad and his mother's name was Ramdulari Devi. Though his parents were Srivatsavas, Shastri dropped his caste individuality in his early years. His father died when he was only a year old. His mother with the help of her father took care of the children. Lal Bahadur Shastri learnt qualities like boldness, patience, self-control, good manners, and unselfishness in the early years of his life.

He neglected his studies to take part in the non-cooperation movement started by Gandhiji in 1921. He was given the title 'Shastri' at Kaashi Vidya Peetha in 1926. During his four years' stay there, he was very much influenced by the lectures of Dr. Bhagawandas on philosophy. After coming out from Kashi Vidya Peetha, he became the lifetime member of "The Servants of the People' society, started by Lala Lajpat Rai in 1921. The main aim of the society was to teach youths who were ready to devote their lives to the service of the country. Shastri was very much loved by Lajpat Rai due to his sincerity and hard work. Later, he became President of the society. In 1927, Shastri married Lalitha Devi.

Lal Bahadur Shastri played a leading role in the 'Salt Satyagraha' and advised people not to pay land revenue and taxes to the British government. He was sent to prison for two and half years for doing so. From this time onwards, the prison became his second home. He was sent to prison seven times and was forced to spend nine long years in different prisons on different occasions.

In jail, he got plenty of time for reading books. He became familiar with the works of western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reformers. He translated the autobiography of Madame Curie; a French scientist who discovered Radium, into the Hindi language. He was a perfect prisoner. He maintained his self-respect even in prison.

After India's Independence, he became the minister of police in the ministry of Govind Vallabh Bhai Panth. In 1951, he was appointed as the General Secretary of Lok Sabha before becoming a Railway Minister. He resigned after a rail disaster near Ariyalur. He returned to the Cabinet following the general elections, first as Minister of Transport and then in 1961, as the Home Minister of India.

All of the sudden death of Pt. Nehru in the office on May 27, 1964, the ruling Congress party chose him unanimously as its leader. He became the Prime Minister on June 9, 1964, a very crucial time in Indian history.

Shastriji suffered heart attacks twice before and during the period of the Pakistan war. On 10 January 1966, he signed the "Joint Declaration' and died the same night. He was a great soul that had lived in an ideal purity of thought, word, and action.

He was posthumously awarded the 'Bharat Ratna' and a memorial was built for him in Delhi. The slogan, Jai jawan, Jai kisaan' is credited to him. Lal Bahadur Shastri was a celebrity of great intensity in the history of India.