NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat in New Delhi to mark his birth anniversary.
Recalling Shastri’s deep dedication to the nation, PM Modi highlighted his simplicity, humility, and the immense contributions he made alongside the country’s farmers and soldiers.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister shared his reverence for the late leader, stating:
“Homage to Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, whose simplicity and dedication to the nation remain deeply inspiring.”
Remembering a Rock-Solid Leader
Alongside his message, PM Modi released a video highlighting Shastri’s significant contributions to shaping modern India. In the video, the Prime Minister reflected on the lasting impact of Shastri’s iconic slogan, which galvanized the nation during a highly challenging period.
“Lal Bahadur Shastri came and gave the message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. Every farmer stood up,” PM Modi remarked. He added that in just one-and-a-half years of his tenure, Shastri, together with the farmers and soldiers, successfully gave the country the “mantra to achieve success.”
Reflecting on Shastri’s unique personality and leadership style, PM Modi noted that his very name evokes a sense of deep respect among the masses.
“From taking the name of Lal Bahadur Shastri, a feeling of immense reverence arises in our minds. His gentle personality fills every citizen with great pride,” he said. He further described Shastri as a leader who appeared humble on the outside but was “determined like a rock” from within.
Nationwide Tributes Pour In
Several other prominent political leaders also paid their respects to India’s second Prime Minister on his birth anniversary.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi remembered Shastri’s commitment to the country, stating, “His simplicity, humility, and decisive leadership continue to inspire the nation.” He emphasized that Shastri’s unwavering faith in the strength of India’s farmers and soldiers remains an enduring legacy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his tributes, saying, “Humble tributes to former Prime Minister of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, on his birth anniversary! A leader of remarkable simplicity who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and whose slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ continues to inspire us.”
A Life of Humility and Dedication
Observed every year on October 2, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti commemorates the birth of a leader known for his absolute integrity and dedication to public service.
Born Lal Bahadur Shrivastava, he actively dropped his caste surname at a young age as part of his strong opposition to the caste system. The widely recognized title ‘Shastri’, meaning scholar, was an academic degree awarded to him by Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1925. His life, leadership, and the iconic “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” slogan continue to highlight the vital and equal contributions of India’s soldiers and farmers to the nation’s progress.
