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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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