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Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri
- 14 Jan 2025
- 2 min read
11th January marked the 59th death anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India.
- About Lal Bahadur Shastri:
- Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904, in Mughalsarai, near Varanasi.
- A key figure in India’s freedom struggle, Shastri was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
- He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service, rising through the ranks of the Indian National Congress.
- Shastri held several critical ministerial positions, including Home Minister, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Commerce and Industry.
- As Railways Minister, he resigned twice following major train accidents, demonstrating his moral accountability.
- As Prime Minister (1964-1966), Shastri displayed decisive leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, authorizing military action to defend Kashmir.
- Shastri’s legacy includes the famous slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan", emphasizing the importance of soldiers and farmers in India's progress.
- Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent on 11th January 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration; his death remains a subject of mystery.
- Tashkent Declaration:
- The Tashkent Declaration was signed in January 1966, between India and Pakistan.
- It aimed to restore peace and resolve issues arising from the 1965 Indo-Pak war, promoting mutual understanding.
Read More: Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti.