Lal Bahadur Shastri
2 October 1904 – 11 January 1966
A common Man’s Leader
In the words of Dr. Venkataraman, Former President of India
“The late Lal Bahadur Shastri was one of those great Indians who have left an indelible impression on our collective life. Shastri ji’s contributions to our public life were unique in that they were made in the closest proximity to the life of the common man in India. Shastri ji’s leadership of the country as Prime Minister of India is inscribed in letters of gold.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (India) commemorated Shastriji with these words:
Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri was looked upon by Indians as one of their own, one who shared their ideals, hopes and aspirations. His achievements were looked upon not as the isolated achievements of an individual but of our society collectively. Under his leadership India faced and repulsed the Pakistani invasion of 1965. It is not only a matter of pride for the Indian Army but also for every citizen of the country. Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan reverberates even today through the length and breadth of the country. Underlying this is the inner-most sentiments ‘Jai Hindustan’. The war of 1965 was fought and won for our self-respect and our national prestige. For using our Defence Forces with such admirable skill, the nation remains beholden to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. He will be remembered for all times to come for his large heartedness and public service.
2 October 1904 – 11 January 1966
In the words of Dr. Venkataraman, Former President of India