New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 122nd birth anniversary on Friday, October 2, recalling his simplicity, dedication to the nation and the enduring message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
Modi paid homage to Shastri at Vijay Ghat in New Delhi and later shared a video highlighting the former Prime Minister’s contribution to the country. In his remarks, Modi recalled Shastri’s association with farmers and soldiers and spoke about the continued public respect for his leadership.
October 2 is observed as both Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti. The day marks the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s second Prime Minister.
PM Modi pays tribute at Vijay Ghat
Prime Minister Modi visited Vijay Ghat in the morning and paid floral tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.
In a post shared on social media, Modi described Shastri’s simplicity and dedication to the nation as qualities that continue to inspire people.
The Prime Minister also released a video recalling Shastri’s contribution to India and his famous call of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
The slogan highlighted the importance of India’s soldiers and farmers and became closely associated with Shastri’s leadership.
Modi recalls Shastri’s famous slogan
In his video message, Modi recalled the impact of Shastri’s call to the country.
He said Shastri gave the message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and referred to the response it generated among farmers and the wider public. Modi also spoke about the respect associated with Shastri’s name.
The Prime Minister described Shastri as someone whose outwardly humble personality was accompanied by strong determination.
Modi further referred to Shastri’s leadership during a relatively short period as Prime Minister and his association with both farmers and soldiers. These remarks formed the central theme of the Prime Minister’s message on Shastri Jayanti.
Shastri remembered for simplicity and public service
Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered for his simple lifestyle, public service and role in India’s political history.
Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, now known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, Shastri became involved in India’s freedom movement as a young man.
He participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921 and later held several important positions in independent India.
After serving in various ministerial roles, Shastri became Prime Minister in 1964 following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru.
His tenure came during a challenging period for India, including food shortages and the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ gains national significance
Shastri’s ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ slogan emphasised the contribution of two groups considered vital to the country’s security and food production — soldiers and farmers.
The slogan emerged during a period when India was dealing with food shortages and national security challenges.
Shastri encouraged citizens to support efforts to strengthen agricultural production while also recognising the role of the armed forces.
The phrase subsequently became one of the most widely remembered expressions associated with his tenure as Prime Minister.
Shastri’s background and the title ‘Shastri’
Shastri was born Lal Bahadur Shrivastava. The surname ‘Shastri’ was later adopted after he received the academic title from Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1925.
The title referred to his scholarly qualification and eventually became the name by which he was popularly known.
His public life was closely associated with the freedom movement and later with the administration of independent India.
His political career included responsibilities in Uttar Pradesh before he moved into the Union Government.
Other leaders pay tribute
Several other leaders also remembered Shastri on his birth anniversary.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi described Shastri’s simplicity, humility and leadership as continuing sources of inspiration. He also referred to Shastri’s commitment to the country and his faith in the contribution of farmers and soldiers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister and recalled his simplicity and dedication to national service.
The tributes were made alongside nationwide observances of Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti on October 2.
Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti observed together
October 2 has a dual significance in India’s national calendar.
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, while Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on the same date in 1904.
Across the country, government institutions, educational establishments and civic organisations held programmes to remember the two leaders and their contributions.
At the national level, the day also included tributes at Rajghat, Gandhi’s memorial, and Vijay Ghat, where Shastri’s memorial is located.
The two birth anniversaries are observed through commemorative events, prayer meetings, public programmes and activities highlighting their respective contributions to India’s history.
Shastri’s legacy continues to be remembered
More than six decades after his death, Shastri remains associated with ideas of simplicity, public service and national responsibility.
His tenure as Prime Minister lasted from 1964 to 1966, ending with his death in Tashkent in January 1966.
His slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ continues to feature prominently in public references to his legacy, particularly on his birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Modi’s message this year once again placed the slogan at the centre of the national remembrance of Shastri.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 122nd birth anniversary and recalled his simplicity, dedication and the iconic ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ message. Leaders across the country also remembered Shastri as India observed his birth anniversary alongside Gandhi Jayanti.