Lal Bahadur Shastri Birth Anniversary 2024: Date, Birth, Life, Political Career, Achievements & More

The birth anniversary of India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, is commemorated on 2 October. With over three decades of service to the nation, he is remembered for his unwavering integrity and exceptional competence. Known for his humility, tolerance, and inner strength, he connected deeply with the people and was a visionary dedicated to the nation's advancement.

Lal Bahadur Shastri served as India's second Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966, following his tenure as the nation's sixth Home Minister from 1961 to 1963. His simplicity, integrity, and decisive leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 earned him immense national respect.

He emphasised the critical roles of soldiers and farmers in building and developing the nation. On his birth anniversary, this article delves into his personal life, political career, achievements, and enduring legacy. His commitment to peace, agriculture, and economic progress remains a source of inspiration in India.

Personal Details:

Birth Anniversary: 2nd October 1904

Birthplace: Mughalsarai, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Father: Sharada Prasad Shrivastava

Mother: Ramdulari Devi

Wife: Lalita Devi

Political Association: Indian National Congress

Movement: Indian Independence Movement

Death Anniversary: 11 January 1966

Lal Bahadur Shastri Biography

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, a small railway town in Uttar Pradesh, about seven miles from Varanasi. His father, Sharad Prasad Srivastava, was a teacher who tragically passed away when Shastri was only one and a half years old. Following this loss, his mother, Ramdulari Devi, still in her twenties, moved back to her father's home with her three children. Despite these early hardships, Shastri grew into a man of great integrity, humility, and vision, ultimately rising to become one of India’s most respected leaders.

Lal Bahadur Shastri was inspired to join the freedom struggle by his teacher, Nishkameshwar Prasad Mishra. In January 1921, while still in the 10th standard and just three months away from his final exams, Shastri attended a public gathering in Benares led by Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Motivated by the message of the non-cooperation movement, he became a volunteer for the Congress Party and decided to leave his studies to commit to India's independence movement fully.

Following Mahatma Gandhi's teachings, Shastri actively worked to uplift the Harijans (Dalits) as a member of the Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal), founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. His dedication to social reform eventually led him to serve as the president of the Society, where he continued his efforts to improve the lives of marginalised communities while playing a significant role in the independence movement.

Shastri married Lalita Devi on May 16, 1928. They had four sons and two daughters, including Kusum Shastri, their eldest daughter, and Hari Krishna Shastri, their eldest son. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches, Shastri was known for his simplicity and always wore a dhoti. The only exception was in 1961 when he donned pyjamas for a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan held in honour of the Queen of the United Kingdom.

In his home state of Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shastri was appointed Parliamentary Secretary. Following the departure of Rafi Ahmed Kidwai to serve as a central minister on August 15, 1947, Shastri was made Minister of Police and Transport under Govind Ballabh Pant's Chief Ministership. During his tenure as police minister (or home minister as it was called prior to 1950), he effectively managed communal disturbances in 1947, as well as mass migrations and the resettlement of refugees.

In 1951, Shastri was appointed general secretary of the All-India Congress Committee under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He played a pivotal role in the Congress Party’s sweeping victories in the Indian General Elections of 1952, 1957, and 1962. He contested the 1952 Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections from Soraon North/Phulpur West and won with over 69% of the vote. Though expected to remain as Uttar Pradesh’s home minister, Nehru unexpectedly called him to serve in the central government. On May 13, 1952, Shastri was appointed Minister of Railways and Transport in the first Cabinet of the Indian Republic.

In 1959, he became the Minister of Commerce and Industry, and in 1961, the Minister of Home Affairs. In 1964, while serving as a minister without a specific portfolio, Shastri founded Mangalore Port.

After Nehru's death on May 27, 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri was selected as Prime Minister on June 9, under the leadership of Congress Party president K. Kamaraj. Shastri, a soft-spoken Nehruvian socialist, was viewed favourably by those looking to prevent conservative right-winger Morarji Desai from assuming office.

In his inaugural broadcast as Prime Minister on 11 June 1964, Shastri declared:

“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us, there need be no difficulty or hesitation, no looking to right or left. Our way is straight and clear the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations.”

On January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away due to a heart attack in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then part of the Soviet Union), just one day after signing a peace agreement that ended the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. He was revered as a national hero, and in his memory, the Vijay Ghat memorial was constructed. Shastri was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, for his service and leadership.

Here are some lesser-known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri:

• India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, shares his birthday with Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

• In 1926, he earned the title 'Shastri' from Kashi Vidyapeeth University in recognition of his academic achievements.

• Shastri would swim across the Ganges River twice daily to attend school, carrying his books on his head because he couldn’t afford a boat.

• As Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shastri was the first to use water jets instead of a lathi charge to disperse crowds.

• Shastri was imprisoned for participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement at the age of 17 but was released due to his age.

• As Transport Minister, he introduced the provision for female drivers and conductors in public transport.

• In lieu of dowry, he accepted only a Khadi cloth and a spinning wheel at his wedding.

• He participated in the Salt March, for which he was jailed for two years.

• As Home Minister, Shastri introduced India's first committee on the Prevention of Corruption.

• He initiated the Green Revolution to boost India's agricultural productivity.

• Shastri also promoted the White Revolution, supporting milk production through the National Dairy Development Board and the Amul cooperative in Gujarat.

• On January 10, 1966, Shastri signed the Tashkent Declaration with Pakistan's President Muhammad Ayub Khan, ending the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

• He was an advocate against the dowry and caste systems.

• Known for his high morals and discipline, Shastri did not own a car even after becoming Prime Minister.

Slogans of Lal Bahadur Shastri:

1. Jai jawan, jai kisan

2. The strength of the country lies in the villages.

3. Freedom and power bring responsibility.

4. Our way is straight and clear — the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all and maintaining world peace and friendship with all nations abroad.

5. India will have to hang her head in shame if even one person is left who is in any way said to be untouchable.

6. We must fight for peace bravely as we fought in war.

7. Our country has often stood like a solid rock in the face of common danger, and there is a deep underlying unity that runs like a golden thread through all our seeming diversity.

As we celebrate the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, we reflect on his steadfast dedication to integrity, peace, and progress. His legacy inspires generations, reminding us to embrace simplicity and service in our daily lives. Shastri's vision of a united and prosperous India serves as a guiding light, motivating us to pursue excellence and honour the efforts of those who strive for our nation's growth. Let us commemorate his life and ideals, ensuring that his powerful message of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" continues to resonate in our shared journey toward a brighter future.