Facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri

#About Lal Bahadur Shastri

* Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904. He served during the Freedom Struggle since 1920 and also became the second Prime Minister of the country after independence.

*He is the man behind the revolution of the agricultural sector in India.

* He is known to uphold the ideas of self respect and ethics of every living man.

* His famous slogan ‘Jai Jawaan Jai Kissan’ (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer) is popular even today.

* He took the seat of the Prime Minister when India was in critical condition after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru.

* Amul Milk Cooperative’s White Revolution, whose main aim was to promote and supply milk in the country, took place under the aegis of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

* When there was a food shortage in the country Shastri urged the people to give up one meal a day so that the food saved could be distributed to those utterly deprived in the country.

* Shastri was also a part of the Salt Revolution which was headed by Mahatma Gandhi.

* He is also known for his notable contribution in the 22 day Indo-Pak war of 1965 where he led the nation to victory with his unique forthrightness and bravery.

* It was under his leadership that the Indian Armed Forces penetrated the outskirts of the Lahore City.

* He motivated the soldiers with the slogan of Jai Jawaan Jai Kissan to and simultaneously cheered the farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains so as to reduce dependence on imports.

#His Famous Words

"The Preservation of Freedom is not the task of the soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong."

"There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the cross-roads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us there need be no difficulty or hesitation, no looking to right or left. Our way is straight and clear - the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations."

* He is known as a ‘simple man with an exemplary lifestyle.’

* He died on January11, 1966.

* He was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna Award.

Much is said about Gandhi and his ideals. Let us not forget that Lal Bahadur Shastri also deserves the same amount of veneration and commemoration as a National Hero.