Why has history forgotten this giant? Lal Bahadur Shastri.


Seven miles from Kashi in Uttar Pradesh is Mughalsarai. A hundred years ago, Lal Bahadur, India's second prime minister, was born there on October 2, 1904. 

here are few things one must know about Shastri ji.

When Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as a Prime Minister in 1964, India used to be a food importing country then. It depended on food imports from North America under the PL-480 scheme. In 1965, when we were at war with Pakistan, India faced drought as well. Keeping in mind, the food situation and the prevailing hunger, Shastri had urged the entire country to hold a fast for a day. Lal Bahadur Shastri knew and understood the significance of soldiers and farmers and gave slogan during that period - Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.

He wasn't a born 'Shastri':

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Ramnagar of Varanasi in a Kayastha family, but because he didn’t believe in the caste system, he gave up his title. It was not until later, when he graduated from Kashi Vidyapeeth, the title of Shastri (scholar) was awarded to him.

His first address to nation as a Prime Minister:

“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us there need to 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.”

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