Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of independent India, is a name that resonates with simplicity, dedication, and integrity. A man of diminutive stature but immense resolve, Shastri led India through tumultuous times with his humble demeanour and unwavering commitment to the nation. His life story, marked by struggles, achievements, and a mysterious death, serves as a profound testament to his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Education
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, a small town in present-day Uttar Pradesh. He was the youngest child of Sharada Prasad Shrivastava, a school teacher, and Ramdulari Devi. Tragically, Shastri lost his father to the plague when he was just one year old. This early loss instilled in him a sense of resilience and responsibility.
Growing up in modest circumstances, Shastri demonstrated an early commitment to education despite financial hardships. He walked miles to school, often borrowing books to further his studies. Shastri later moved to Varanasi, where he attended Harish Chandra High School. It was during this time that he dropped his caste-based surname, Shrivastava, adopting “Shastri”, a title that reflected his scholarly pursuits after graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1926.
Entry into the Freedom Struggle
Inspired by M.K Gandhi and the principles of nonviolence, Shastri joined the freedom struggle in his youth. Gandhi’s call deeply moved him for non-cooperation with British rule. Shastri actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and later the Salt Satyagraha (1930), which landed him in jail multiple times. These experiences of incarceration solidified his resolve and brought him closer to the ideals of selfless service.
Political Rise of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Post-independence, Lal Bahadur Shastri’s rise in politics was a result of his exceptional administrative skills and incorruptible integrity. He served as the Minister of Police and Transport in Uttar Pradesh, where he made pioneering reforms, such as introducing women conductors in public buses. His policies reflected his progressive vision for a modern India.
Shastri’s work caught the attention of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who brought him to the central cabinet in 1952 as the Minister of Railways and Transport. He was known for his empathetic leadership during the 1956 Ariyalur train disaster, where he resigned, taking moral responsibility—a rare act in political history. Although Nehru did not accept his resignation initially, it highlighted Shastri’s sense of accountability.
Becoming the Prime Minister
The transition of power following the death of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964 marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics. Nehru had been a towering figure, the architect of modern India, and his absence created a vacuum that many believed would be difficult to fill. Amidst this uncertainty, Lal Bahadur Shastri emerged as a surprising yet unifying choice for the post of Prime Minister.
The Political Climate Post-Nehru
After Nehru’s demise, the Indian National Congress was at a crossroads. The party, which had dominated the political landscape since independence, was grappling with internal divisions. Several senior leaders, including Morarji Desai, a staunch administrator and Nehru’s longtime rival, were seen as contenders for the top post. However, the Congress party feared that Desai’s rigid and authoritarian style might exacerbate existing divisions. What the party needed was a leader who could bring consensus and stability—a leader acceptable to all factions.
Shastri: The Compromise Candidate
Lal Bahadur Shastri was initially viewed as a compromise candidate. Known for his soft-spoken demeanour, calm disposition, and unassuming personality, Shastri was regarded as a leader who would not disrupt the party’s equilibrium. He had earned the trust of both the old guard and younger members of the Congress with his steadfast loyalty, administrative efficiency, and lack of personal ambition for power.
President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan formally invited Shastri to assume office on June 9, 1964, after the Congress party reached a consensus. Despite being overshadowed by larger-than-life personalities like Nehru, Shastri’s selection was not merely a stop-gap arrangement; it reflected his widespread acceptance as a man of integrity and service.
Challenges in Following Nehru’s Legacy
Stepping into Nehru’s shoes was no small task. Nehru had been a global statesman with a deep connection to India’s independence struggle, a visionary who championed secularism, socialism, and non-alignment. Shastri, though widely respected, was perceived as lacking the charisma and international stature of his predecessor. Many doubted his ability to lead a nation as vast and complex as India, especially during a time of economic challenges, social unrest, and external threats.
Despite these perceptions, Shastri approached the role with humility, quiet determination, and a strong sense of duty. He did not attempt to mimic Nehru’s leadership style but instead carved his own path, grounded in pragmatism and a deep connection with the common people.
Leadership During Crisis
Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister was brief but eventful. His leadership was tested during two major crises: the food shortage and the Indo-Pak War of 1965.
Food Crisis and the ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ Slogan
India faced a severe food crisis in the 1960s due to poor agricultural productivity. Shastri appealed to citizens to voluntarily skip a meal to conserve food—a move that showcased his ability to connect with the masses. His iconic slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, became a rallying cry for national unity, emphasizing the importance of both soldiers and farmers in India’s progress.
The Indo-Pak War of 1965
The 1965 war with Pakistan was a defining moment in Shastri’s tenure. Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, attempting to infiltrate Indian territory in Kashmir. Shastri responded decisively, authorizing the Indian Army to cross the international border. The war saw major victories for India, including the capture of strategic positions in Lahore and Sialkot. Shastri’s leadership during the conflict showcased his courage and strategic acumen, earning him widespread respect.
Tashkent Agreement and Mysterious Death
After the war, Shastri sought to secure peace through diplomacy. He travelled to Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan) for peace talks with Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan, brokered by the Soviet Union. The resulting Tashkent Agreement, signed on January 10, 1966, required both nations to withdraw to pre-war positions and renounce the use of force.
However, Shastri’s sudden death in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, remains shrouded in mystery. Officially, he died of a heart attack, but several unanswered questions have fueled speculation over the years. His wife, Lalita Shastri, and others raised concerns about the absence of an autopsy and the presence of suspicious circumstances, such as alleged discolouration on his body. While conspiracy theories range from poisoning to Cold War espionage, no conclusive evidence has ever surfaced.
Personal Life and Values
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s personal life mirrored his public persona—simple and principled. He married Lalita Devi in 1928 and lived a life devoid of extravagance. His humility was legendary; even as Prime Minister, he refrained from using his position for personal gain. A famous anecdote recounts how he paid for a car in instalments, demonstrating his belief in ethical conduct.
Legacy and Influence
Shastri’s legacy endures as a symbol of honesty, humility, and patriotism. His contributions to India’s development, especially in agriculture and defence, laid the groundwork for future progress. The Green Revolution, which transformed India’s agricultural landscape, owes much to the foundations laid during his tenure.
The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where civil servants are trained, stands as a tribute to his commitment to governance. His slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” continues to inspire millions, underscoring the importance of self-reliance and hard work.
Conclusion
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life was a lesson in resilience, humility, and leadership. From his humble beginnings to his untimely death, he remained steadfast in his dedication to the nation. Despite the controversies surrounding his demise, his legacy remains untarnished, serving as a beacon of integrity in India’s political landscape.
As we reflect on his contributions, Shastri’s story reminds us of the power of simplicity and the enduring strength of character in shaping a nation’s destiny. His life, though brief, left an indelible mark on the heart of India, making him one of the most respected leaders in the country’s history.