Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death anniversary is observed on January 11 every year, marking the day he passed away in 1966. He was India’s second Prime Minister, serving from 1964 to 1966, and is remembered for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to the nation. He was India’s second Prime Minister, serving from June 9, 1964, to January 11, 1966. He was a true leader who embodied simplicity, integrity, and dedication to the nation. Shastri’s tenure was marked by significant events, including the Indo-Pak War of 1965, during which he coined the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) to inspire the nation.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Shastri held various portfolios, including Minister of Home Affairs (1961-1963) and Minister of Railways. He continued Jawaharlal Nehru’s socialist economic policies, focusing on central planning and promoting the White Revolution, a national campaign to increase milk production and supply. Shastri also initiated the Green Revolution to boost food grain production, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Shastri’s leadership was tested during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, which ended with the Tashkent Declaration, signed on January 10, 1966. Tragically, he passed away the next day, January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Shastri’s legacy is remembered through various monuments, including Vijay Ghat in Delhi, and awards, such as the Bharat Ratna, conferred posthumously in 1966.
Shastri’s father, Sharad Prasad Srivastava, was a school teacher who passed away when Lal Bahadur was just six months old. His mother, Ramdulari Devi, raised him with strong values and morals. Shastri attended Harish Chandra High School and later joined Kashi Vidya Peeth, where he earned a degree in philosophy and ethics. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Shastri joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the freedom movement. He was imprisoned several times for his involvement in various movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha Movement. After independence, Shastri held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, and Home Affairs.
As Prime Minister, Shastri continued Nehru’s socialist economic policies, focusing on central planning and promoting the White Revolution, a national campaign to increase milk production and supply. He also initiated the Green Revolution to boost food grain production. Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War earned him great recognition, and he coined the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer).
The circumstances surrounding Shastri’s death has created national controversy. The Soviet Union has already been ceased to exist and there is no question of foreign relations to be harmed. There are plot of theories that mention Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death to be of unnatural causes. But the fact is that the Russian Prime Minister, Kosygin, offered to mediate and Shastri and Ayub Khan started negotiations at Tashkent. A `no-war’ agreement was signed between the two countries on January 10, 1966, and peace was restored. It is assumed that he was so overwhelmed by the happiness of saving India with the ceasefire via Tashkent pact that he had a fatal heart attack the same night but till date no one is sure about his death. Shastri’s widow Lalita also alleged that he was poisoned by the cook who was responsible for preparing his meal in Tashkent. The Soviet government also arrested the Russian butler attending him on suspicion of poisoning but later absolved him. One must remembers that he is the only Indian Prime Minister to have died in office overseas, and indeed probably one of the few heads of government in history to do so.
Author is a FreeLance Journalist, Writer & Cartoonist
