India paused to remember Lal Bahadur Shastri, the unassuming PM whose slogan galvanized a generation. On his punyatithi, top leaders from Delhi to states paid heartfelt homage.
Shastri breathed his last in 1966 after signing the Tashkent Declaration. Conspiracy theories linger, but focus remains on his achievements. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Vijay Ghat samadhi, emphasizing, ‘Shastri ji’s courage in 1965 war is unmatched.’
Union ministers like Nitin Gadkari and chief ministers including Maharashtra’s Eknath Shinde shared messages. ‘His simplicity amid power is a lesson for all,’ Gadkari tweeted.
From Bihar to Gujarat, leaders organized programs. Shastri’s ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ boosted food production and morale during shortages.
Today, with farmer protests and border tensions, Shastri’s vision rings true. Events featured documentaries and discussions on his green revolution push.
Shastri rose from humble beginnings to PM, resigning as railway minister over accidents – a rare ethical stand. His death anniversary renews calls for declassifying files on his demise.
As floral tributes adorned memorials, India reaffirmed commitment to Shastri’s ideals of selfless service and national unity.