Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

"Those who govern must see how people react to administration. Ultimately, the people are the final arbiters." ~ Lal Bahadur Shastri

The second Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri (born: 2 October 1904 Mughalsarai; death: 11 January 1966 Tashkent), was a simple but rock-like firm and a fearless personality. Shastri Ji, who sacrificed his life for the country, was born in an ordinary family of Mughalsarai in Uttar Pradesh. 

He was a famous Indian politician, great freedom fighter, and the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru. He was a person who was not only gifted military glory to the country as Prime Minister but also showed the path of green revolution and industrialization.

Life introduction

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2 October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Munshi Sharda Prasad Srivastava, was a teacher in primary school but passed away when he was only eighteen months old. Being the youngest in the family, everyone used to call Lal Bahadur as ‘Nanhe.’ 

His maternal uncle greatly supported his mother in raising a child without a father. While living in his grandmother's place, he took primary education. His higher education was done at Harishchandra High School and Kashi Vidyapeeth (now Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth).

Nine years in jail

Shastri remained in jail for nine years during India's freedom struggle. He went to prison during the non-cooperation movement for the first time at the age of 17 but was released because he was not an adult. He then went to jail for two and a half years in 1930 at the time of the Civil Disobedience Movement. He remained in prison during 1940 and again from 1941 to 1946. 

Against Casteism and Dowry System

Shastri Ji was firmly against casteism. Due to which he didn't put a surname behind his name and received the title of Shastri after studying at Kashi Vidyapeeth. At the same time, Shastri Ji refused to take dowry in his marriage. However, he took a few meters of khadi garment due to the great insistence of his father-in-law.

Story of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

There was a Pakistan-India war held during 1965 after he became Prime Minister. He held the country firmly under adverse circumstances and India repulsed the Pakistani invasion. He also gave the slogan of 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' to highlight the importance of army soldiers and farmers. 

Connected women to the transport sector

As Transport Minister, he was the first who start bringing women as conductors in India. Not only this, to disperse the protesters, he suggested water splashes instead of lathi-charge.

Honors and awards

Shastri Ji is reverentially remembered for his simplicity, patriotism, and honesty. He was awarded Bharat Ratna in the year 1966.

Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri 

Shastri died mysteriously on 11 January 1966 during the Tashkent settlement. He died the same night when he signed the Tashkent Agreement. The cause of death was stated to be a heart attack. Shastri Ji's funeral was done with full state honor in front of Shantivan (Nehru's tomb) on the banks of Yamuna and the site was named Vijay Ghat. The whole country observed his death anniversary every year by giving him honor and remembers his teachings.

Mystery of Death

Various speculations were made about Shastri Ji's death. Many people, including his family members, believed that Shastri Ji did not die of a heart attack, but poisoning was the reason. The first inquiry was conducted by Raj Narayan, which was ended without any consequences. Even more, there is no record of that inquiry in the Indian Parliamentary Library. It was also alleged that Shastri Ji's post-mortem was not done. 

A writer journalist Kuldeep Nayar, who had gone with Shastri Ji in Tashkent, published an English book in which he has mentioned the incident cycle in detail.  Moreover, in July 2012, Shastri Ji's third son Sunil Shastri had also demanded from the Government of India to investigate again and reveal the secret of Shastri Ji's death.

Lal Bahadur Shastri led a dignified life and was known for his honesty. He was honored with several accolades and a memorial was also built for him in Delhi, namely ‘Vijay Ghat.’ Today, he is remembered with great pride who contributed in building a strong nation.