Lal Bahadur Shastri, a prominent Indian politician and statesman, held the position of India’s second Prime Minister. Despite being relatively new to the role, he adeptly navigated the country through the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. Shastri became known for popularizing the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,’ emphasizing the significance of both the soldier and the farmer in fostering self-sufficiency and self-reliance as the foundational pillars for a robust nation. You can discover the entire Lal Bahadur Shastri biography within this article.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Biography

While his official ranking was second, his principles and contributions were truly exceptional. In 1966, the nation bestowed upon this humble and dignified figure its highest honor, the ‘Bharat Ratna.’ He chose to be recognized for his deeds rather than delivering meticulously crafted speeches filled with grand promises.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri Childhood Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri Young Age Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Family Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Wife Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Children’s Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Father Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Mother Picture

Lal Bahadur Shastri With his Girlfriend Picture

Family

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, during the period when India was under British colonial rule. His father name is Sharada Prasad Srivastava. After his birth, his mother Ramdulari Devi, along with Lal Bahadur Shastri and his two sisters, moved to their maternal grandfather Hazari Lal’s residence. Tragically, when Lal Bahadur Shastri was just six months old, his father passed away due to an outbreak of bubonic plague.

Age

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, India. If he were alive today, he would be 119 years old.

Education

Lal Bahadur Shastri’s educational path led him to Varanasi, where he finished his primary schooling and stayed with his maternal uncle. At the tender age of four, he commenced his academic journey at the East Central Railway Inter College in Mughalsarai, receiving guidance from a maulvi named Budhan Mian during his formative years of learning. Ultimately, Shastri successfully earned a bachelor’s degree in Sanskrit.

Height and Weight

Lal Bahadur Shastri stood at a height of 5 feet 2 inches and had a weight of 100 pounds.

Wife and Children

Lalita Devi, the youngest daughter of Ganesh Prasad, entered into matrimony with Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1928. They were blessed with six children. Among their offspring, Anil Shastri, one of his sons, served as a representative of the Congress Party.

Early Life

He was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, which was a part of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in British India (now Uttar Pradesh). Shastri dedicated himself to the upliftment of the Harijans while working in Muzaffarpur, and he made the significant decision to shed his caste-derived surname “Srivastava.” His father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, initially worked as a schoolteacher before becoming a clerk in the revenue office at Allahabad. Tragically, he also lost his maternal grandfather during his early years.

Prime Minister of India

On June 9th, 1964, the mild-mannered and soft-spoken Lal Bahadur Shastri assumed the role of Prime Minister, succeeding Jawaharlal Nehru. Shastri emerged as the consensus choice following Nehru’s sudden passing, despite the presence of more influential leaders within the Congress party. At the time, India was grappling with food shortages, and the nation faced aggression from Pakistan. Shastri tackled fundamental issues such as food scarcity, unemployment, and poverty. He adhered to the principles of Nehruvian socialism and displayed remarkable composure during challenging times. Shastri was a man of great courage and determination, famously coining the slogan “Jai Jawan

Indo-Pak War

Lal Bahadur Shastri was a courageous leader who guided India to victory in the Indo-Pak War of 1965. In his report to the Lok Sabha regarding the Kutch confrontation, Shastri emphasized his commitment to Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence. Despite this, he led India valiantly in battle. It becomes evident to those who approach the situation objectively that India had no intention of instigating border conflicts or promoting discord. Shastriji’s famous slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” paid tribute to the soldiers guarding the borders and the farmers striving to overcome food shortages.

Death

Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away from a heart attack on January 11, 1966. Although it was officially stated that he died of a heart attack, no post-mortem examination was conducted, as his demise was shrouded in a meticulously orchestrated event that remains enigmatic, with Tashkent as its backdrop.

Political Career

After India gained independence, Lal Bahadur Shastri was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in his home state of Uttar Pradesh. He carried forward Nehru’s socialist economic policies, emphasizing central planning. When Rafi Ahmed Kidwai moved on to a central ministerial role, Shastri assumed the position of Minister of Police and Transport under the leadership of Chief Minister Govind Ballabh Pant on August 15, 1947. As the Transport Minister, he achieved a significant milestone by appointing the first female conductors.

Achievements of Lal Bahadur Shastri

• The legacy and achievements of Lal Bahadur Shastri encompass both his actions during his lifetime and the impact he left after his passing.
• During his tenure as Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri inaugurated the Bal Vidya Mandir, a prestigious school in Lucknow, on November 19, 1964.
• The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Memorial Trust manages the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial, situated near 10 Janpath, his residence while serving as Prime Minister.
• In Gujarat, he inaugurated the Sainik School Balachadi, and he also laid the foundation stone for the Almatti Dam.

Award  List

• The Bharat Ratna is a prestigious award conferred by the President of India.
• Memorials
• In 1995, the ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri Educational Trust’ established the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, which is now regarded as one of India’s top business schools.
• The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie is named after him.
• Major highways in Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Warangal, Lucknow, Puducherry, and Allahabad bear his name as a tribute.

Net Worth

Lal Bahadur Shastri’s net worth is estimated at $85 million. He was a remarkably humble individual who dedicated his life to the improvement of his country.

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