New Delhi: Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India, was born on October 2, 1904, and died on January 11, 1966. He was born in Mughalsarai (Uttar Pradesh). He died of a heart attack in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then in the Soviet Union), one day after signing a peace treaty to end the 1965 India-Pakistan War. But his death has always been shrouded with mystery.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Home Minister from 1961 to 1963 and served as the second Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966. Due to his clean image, even the leaders of the Opposition parties respected him. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Shastri saved the country from many crises.
On his death anniversary, let us look at some lesser-known facts about the second Prime Minister of India.
Shastri’s Early Life & Principles: Jail, Morality & Social Reform
Nine years in jail
During India’s struggle for independence, Shastri spent nine years in jail. He was first jailed at 17 for the non-cooperation movement but was released due to age. He was imprisoned for two and a half years in 1930 for the civil disobedience movement. He also spent time in jail in 1940 and again from 1941 to 1946.
Wife’s opposition to bringing mangoes
While in jail during the freedom struggle, his wife secretly brought him two mangoes. Instead of being pleased, he protested against her. Shastri argued it was against the law for prisoners to eat food from outside. He had a strong sense of morality. When he was released on parole to see his ailing daughter, she sadly passed away before his return.
Shastri was strongly against casteism
Lal Bahadur Shastri opposed casteism and did not use a surname. He earned the title “Shastri” after studying at Kashi Vidyapeeth.
No to Dowry
At his wedding, Shastri refused to take dowry. However, his father-in-law insisted on giving him a few metres of Khadi.
Shastri’s Leadership During Crisis: The 1965 War & Food Shortages
Prime Minister in 1964
After Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, passed away, Congress leader K Kamaraj supported Lal Bahadur Shastri as Nehru’s successor.
Helped the country in crisis
During his 18 months as Prime Minister, Shastri made significant contributions to Indian history. He took office at a critical time for the country.
Resolving food shortage
His first action to address food shortages was to promote the White Revolution and the Green Revolution.
Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan slogan
When Shastri became Prime Minister in 1964, India relied on food imports, particularly from North America, under the PL-480 scheme. During the 1965 war with Pakistan, a severe drought struck the country. In response, Shastri urged citizens to fast for one day and created the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
Women in the transport sector
As Transport Minister, Shastri was the first to bring women into the transport sector as conductors.
Use of water cannon
Lal Bahadur Shastri suggested using water cannons instead of lathi charges to disperse protesters.
His first car
Known for his frugality, Shastri applied for a bank loan of Rs 5,000 to buy his first car. After receiving the loan quickly, he questioned if regular citizens could expect the same speedy service.
Unanswered Questions Surrounding Shastri’s Death
Was it really a heart attack? Shastri went to Tashkent to sign an agreement to end the 1965 war with Pakistan. He died on January 11, 1966, from what was reported as a heart attack. However, doubts remain about his death, and his family has asked the government to make related files public.
Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, was known as the ‘Man of Peace’ for his commitment to peace and non-aggression. This article explores lesser-known aspects of his life, including his unwavering principles against dowry and casteism, his nine years in jail during the freedom struggle, and his crucial role in navigating India through the 1965 war and subsequent food crisis. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
