The indian prime minister who was born on October 2 is Lal Bahadur Shastri. He shares his birthday with Mahatma Gandhi, making october 2 a particularly significant date in indian history. Both men played crucial roles in shaping india, albeit in different ways — gandhi as the father of the Nation, and Shastri as a leader who upheld simplicity, integrity, and national pride.
Lal Bahadur Shastri – Born october 2, 1904
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai (now in Uttar Pradesh), India. He became the second prime minister of India, succeeding Jawaharlal Nehru after his death in 1964. Despite his small physical stature, Shastri was known for his firm leadership, moral strength, and dedication to public service.
Early Life and Career
Shastri came from a humble background and lost his father at a young age. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas and joined the indian independence movement in the 1920s. He participated in various non-violent campaigns against british rule and was jailed multiple times.
He gradually rose through the ranks of the indian National Congress, holding important positions including Railway Minister, Home Minister, and eventually Prime Minister.
Prime Ministerial Tenure (1964–1966)
As prime minister, Shastri led india during a challenging time, dealing with food shortages, economic instability, and the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. He is perhaps best remembered for coining the slogan:
"Jai Jawan, jai Kisan"
("Hail the soldier, hail the farmer")
This phrase symbolized his commitment to both national defense and agricultural reform, emphasizing that a strong nation relies equally on its army and its farmers.
Shastri signed the Tashkent Agreement with pakistan in january 1966 to bring peace after the war. However, he died unexpectedly in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, just hours after the agreement was signed. His sudden death remains the subject of speculation and inquiry.
Legacy
Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered for his honesty, simplicity, and deep patriotism. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. His life is often cited as an example of how strong leadership can come from humble beginnings. His birthday, october 2, is commemorated across india alongside mahatma Gandhi’s, making it a day to reflect on non-violence, simplicity, and selfless service to the nation.
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