Lal Bahadur Shastri was one of the most popular prime ministers of India who played a crucial role in shaping up the country's future. His famous 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan' (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer) slogan injected energy during the freedom movement. Born on October 2, 1904 in Mughalsarai, Shastri emphasised the idea of unity in the country. He was the second prime minister of India from 1964 to 1966. He took over the rein of our country after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru. His untimely death in Uzbekistan's Tashkent on January 11, 1966 after a massive heart attack left a void. He signed a peace agreement between India and Pakistan post-1965 War before his death in Tashkent. Indira Gandhi became the prime minister after Shastri's death. Shastri once said, "As a nation, we must fight for peace as we fought in a war."Â Â
Today, on his 53rd death anniversary, we bring to you some interesting facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri:
• Lal Bahadur Shastri went to jail for taking part in Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement. Later, he was let off as he was still a minor of 17 years.
• Shastri introduced the provision of female drivers and conductors in public transportation when he was the Transport Minister.
• He accepted a Khadi cloth and spinning wheel as dowry at his wedding.
• Shastri introduced the rule of spraying jet water to disperse crowd instead of lathi charge, during his tenure as the Minister of Police.
• Shastri took part in the Salt March, for which he was jailed for a period of two years.
This is how politicians paid tribute to India’s second prime minister:
Today we honour India's second Prime Minister and a strong leader of the masses, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. His leadership, his slogan of 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan', and his various contributions towards building India will always be remembered by one and all. pic.twitter.com/72MihsUGQl
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 11, 2019
Remembering former Prime Minister of India #LalBahadurShastri ji on his Punya Tithi. Shastriji led the nation at a crucial time and his leadership continues to be an inspiration in public life for his simplicity and moral values.#jaijawanjaikisan pic.twitter.com/hAjJRZk0CS
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@rajeev_mp) January 11, 2019
On his Punyatithi, my Pranam and tributes to our Former PM Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, who with the mantra of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, had envisaged a new model of Nation development... pic.twitter.com/lrz3YpqBvZ
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 11, 2019
On his death Anniversary, we remember the unparalleled contribution of #LalBahadurShastri Ji in laying & strengthening the foundation of free India.
His slogan of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", is a continual reminder of the strength of our youth & farmers. My sincere tributes to him! pic.twitter.com/vQyh2EGzzk— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 11, 2019
Tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, former prime minister, on his death anniversary
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 11, 2019
Tributes to India's 2nd Prime Minister #LalBahadurShastri ji on his Punya Tithi. May his ideals of public service continue to guide us forever. pic.twitter.com/zbwGbs8lIv
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) January 11, 2019