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Lal Bahadur Shastri Birth Anniversary 2025: Known for his integrity, 1965 war leadership, and the iconic slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, Shastri remains a symbol of patriotism.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in 1904 in Mughalsarai, now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar. (File pic)
Lal Bahadur Shastri Birth Anniversary 2025: India celebrates the birth anniversary of its second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on October 2 every year. Known for his integrity and contributions to the independence movement, military leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he coined the famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer). On this day, Indians honour his life, leadership, and the values he stood for.
As the country celebrates Lal Bhadur Shastri’s 121st Birth Anniversary today, let’s take a closer look at his life, legacy and read some of his most inspirational quotes.
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Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Life And Legacy
Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai (now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar), Uttar Pradesh, Shastri faced significant challenges in his life after his father passed away. Fondly called ‘Nanhe’ by his family and friends, he walked miles barefoot to school.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he later joined the Indian independence movement as a youth and was imprisoned several times for his actions. He was a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Dandi March, Quit India Movement and the Indian National Congress.
After India got Independence in 1947, Shastri held key positions such as Railway Minister and Home Minister, earning a reputation for honesty and hard work.
Following the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru’s death in 1964, he was appointed India’s second Prime Minister. Shastri led the nation through difficult times with calm resolve and effective governance.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Leadership During the 1965 War
His term included the 1965 Indo-Pak war, during which he coined his slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, lifting the morale of both soldiers and farmers amid food shortages in the country. Not just this, Shastri also promoted the Green Revolution, advocating for scientific farming practices to boost food production and propel India towards self-sufficiency.
After serving the nation as the 2nd Prime Minister for 19 months, Shastri passed away in 1966 in Tashkent, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration, which ended the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War.
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Inspirational Quotes
- ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the farmer, Hail the soldier)’
- ‘The preservation of freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong.’
- ‘The swaraj of the masses, or true democracy, can never be achieved by untruthful or violent means.
- ‘That loyalty to the country is the first thing and loyalty to the government comes next.’
- ‘As we fought in war, we must fight for peace with courage.’
- ‘The strength of the nation, lies in the strength of the economy.’
- ‘The biggest benefit of living in a democracy is that it grants the government no authority to take away our freedoms.’
- ‘India’s development is a collective task rather than an individual effort.’
- ‘Self-reliance is the key to true freedom’
- ‘Without unity, there is no progress’
About the Author
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv…Read More
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv… Read More
October 02, 2025, 06:07 IST
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