500+ Words Essay on Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966. He previously served as the sixth Home Minister of India from 1961 to 1963. He was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, India. He emerged from modest beginnings to become a key figure in India’s struggle for independence and its subsequent journey as a sovereign nation.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, was a school teacher who passed away when Shastri was just a year old. His mother, Ramdulari Devi, raised him and his siblings with great care, emphasizing the importance of education and moral values. Lal Bahadur Shastri attended East Central Railway Inter College in Varanasi and later Kashi Vidyapith, where he earned a degree in philosophy and ethics. It was during his time at Kashi Vidyapith that he adopted the title ‘Shastri,’ meaning ‘scholar.’ He married Lalita Devi, and they had six children together.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience, Shastri joined the Indian independence movement. He participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement, enduring multiple imprisonments. His dedication and organizational skills did not go unnoticed, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the Indian National Congress.
After India gained independence in 1947, Shastri was appointed as the Minister of Police and Transport in Uttar Pradesh. His tenure was notable for introducing female conductors and ensuring fair practices within the police force. In 1952, he moved to the national stage, holding various portfolios such as Railways, Transport, and Communications under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
As the Railway Minister, Shastri resigned following a train accident in 1956, setting a precedent for taking moral responsibility, a rare act in Indian politics. His tenure as Home Minister saw the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the promotion of the Hindi language.
Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Prime Minister of India on June 9, 1964, following Nehru’s death. He coined the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), reflecting his vision of a self-reliant and resilient India. This slogan became a rallying cry during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, underlining the importance of both military and agricultural sectors.
List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas
Shastri’s leadership during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 showcased his dedication to the nation. His firm resolve and strategic acumen during the conflict earned him respect and admiration. His leadership during this period boosted national morale and solidified India’s standing on the global stage.
The Green Revolution, aimed at increasing food production through modern agricultural techniques, began during his time. He promoted the use of high-yielding variety seeds and fertilizers, which eventually led to self-sufficiency in food grains. His emphasis on increasing agricultural productivity laid the groundwork for India’s food security.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sudden death on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, following the signing of the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan, was a great loss to the nation. His legacy, however, endures through his contributions to India’s independence, governance, and agricultural development.