Let us remember Lal Bahadur Shastri too!

Today, as we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 164th birthday, we should remind ourselves it’s Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birthday too. Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India, but the generation Y is unaware of his contributions to the development of our nation.

Lal Bahadur Shastri, was born on October 2 1904. In his initial years he joined Indian freedom struggle and played vital role in unifying country. He followed Nehru’s steps of socialism and non alignment.

His tenure as a Prime Minister witnessed one of the massive language agitations of the century ‘anti Hindi agitation’ by Madras State which later subsided by assurance of continuing English as official language.

Shastri aggressively promoted White Revolution and created the National Dairy Development Board. After witnessing the chronic food shortage in the country, Shastri urged people to give up one meal a day so that the food saved could be distributed to the affected populace which is popularly known as ‘Shastri Vrat’.

This led to establishment of The Food Corporation of India and The National Agricultural Products Board Act. Under his leadership India has won 1965 war with Pakistan which was not only a matter of pride for the Indian Army but also for every citizen of the country.

His slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ has become the national slogan since then. Shastri died in Tashkent due to heart attack a day after signing Tashkent Declaration making him the first Prime Minister to die overseas.

He was eulogised as a national hero and the Vijay Ghat memorial was established in his memory. He is praised for using our Defence Forces with such admirable skill; the nation remains beholden to Lal Ba- hadur Shastri.

He will be re- membered for the great things he has done for India

BY:V AISHNAVI GIRISH