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From freedom fighter to Prime Minister: The Shastri story
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Jai Jawan Jai Kisan: Lal Bahadur Shastri’s timeless slogan
Early life & education
• Born: October 2, 1904, Mughalsarai (now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar), Uttar Pradesh.
• Original name: Lal Bahadur Shrivastava. He dropped his caste-based surname, symbolising his stand against social prejudice.
• Earned the title “Shastri” (scholar) from Kashi Vidyapeeth, reflecting academic excellence.
Role in the freedom struggle
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1921): Actively participated under Gandhiji’s leadership.
• Salt Satyagraha (1930): Joined the campaign and was imprisoned.
• Association with Lala Lajpat Rai: Became life member of Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal), later served as its president. Focused on upliftment of backward classes.
Contributions after Independence
Political career
• Railway Minister (1952-56): Resigned taking moral responsibility after a tragic train accident (Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu).
• Home Minister (1961): Constituted the Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Framed the “Shastri Formula” to resolve language agitations in Assam and Punjab.
• Prime Minister of India (1964-66): Took office after Nehru’s death.
Agricultural & economic reforms
• Jai Jawan Jai Kisan: Iconic slogan, highlighting food security and defence preparedness.
• Green Revolution: Promoted agricultural reforms to boost foodgrain production.
• White Revolution: Supported milk production enhancement through the National Dairy Development Programme.
Foreign policy & diplomacy
• Srimavo-Shastri Pact (1964): Agreement with Sri Lanka on the status of Indian Tamils.
• 1965 Indo-Pak War: Provided decisive leadership during conflict.
• Tashkent Declaration (1966): Peace agreement with Pakistan’s Ayub Khan.
Recognition
• Bharat Ratna: Awarded posthumously in 1966.
Ethical and moral leadership (GS Paper IV – Ethics case studies)
• Integrity over identity: Dropped caste surname to oppose discrimination.
• Accountability: Resigned as Railway Minister after the 1956 train accident — rare example of political responsibility.
• Leading by example: During food shortage (1965), asked his family to give up one meal a week before urging the nation to do so.
• Moral vision: In his first Independence Day speech, emphasised “Sheelam Param Bhushanam” (character is the greatest ornament).
Why Shastri is important for UPSC preparation
• Prelims: Birth date, slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” Tashkent Declaration, Srimavo-Shastri Pact, Bharat Ratna.
• Mains (GS-I, GS-II, GS-III): Role in freedom struggle, language policy, agricultural reforms, foreign policy post-Nehru.
• Ethics (GS-IV): Case studies on accountability, integrity, simplicity, ethical leadership.
• Essay: Themes like “Leadership with values,” “Food security and nation building,” “Accountability in public life.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri – UPSC revision table
Aspect | Prelims facts | Mains significance | Ethics lessons (GS IV) |
Birth & Education | Born Oct 2, 1904, Mughalsarai (UP). Title “Shastri” from Kashi Vidyapeeth. | Represents India’s 2nd PM after Nehru. Symbol of humility & simplicity. | Dropped caste surname → rejection of social discrimination. |
Freedom Struggle | Participated in Non-Cooperation Movement (1921), Salt Satyagraha (1930). | Lifelong member of Servants of the People Society founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. | Commitment to public service and upliftment of weaker sections. |
As Minister | Railway Minister (1952-56): Resigned after Ariyalur train accident (1956). Home Minister (1961): Formed Committee on Prevention of Corruption. | Ethical standards in governance; Initiated administrative reforms (Shastri Formula for language issue in Assam & Punjab). | Accountability – resigning for an accident not directly his fault. |
As Prime Minister (1964-66) | Slogan: “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.” Promoted Green Revolution & White Revolution. | Built food & defence self-reliance. Shaped post-Nehru India with pragmatic leadership. | Leading by example – asked family to give up one meal a week before appealing to citizens. |
Foreign Policy | Srimavo-Shastri Pact (1964) on Indian Tamils in Ceylon. Tashkent Declaration (1966) with Ayub Khan after 1965 Indo-Pak war. | Strengthened India’s diplomatic credibility. Displayed crisis-time leadership. | Integrity in negotiations, focus on peace. |
Recognition | Bharat Ratna (1966, posthumous). | Legacy of ethical leadership in public life. | Demonstrated “Sheelam Param Bhushanam” (Character is the greatest ornament). |
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