Lal Bahadur Shastri Essay with Biography Achievements and Key Facts
Lal Bahadur Shastri is known as the Man of Peace. He is famous as the second prime minister of independent India. He is also remembered for composing the slogan of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" (which means ‘hail the soldiers and the farmers’). Let us learn more about the Life of this illustrious personality of Indian history.
Early Life
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on the 2nd of October in 1904 in Mughalsarai of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. His father was Sharada Prasad Shrivastava and his mother was named Ramdulari Devi.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was a student in the East Central Railway Inter College in Mughalsarai and Varanasi. In 1926, he successfully completed his graduation from the Kashi Vidyapeeth. As a part of his Graduation degree award, he was given the title of “Shastri" which loosely translates to “Scholar” in English. Somehow this degree began to be used as a part of his name. From a very young Life, Lal Bahadur Shastri was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
Following the footsteps of his idol, he wanted to work to uplift the weak and poor in society. He thus became a Life member of the Servants of the People Society also known as the Lok Sevak Mandal which was established by Lala Lajpat Rai.
On 16 May 1928, Lal Bahadur Shastri got married to Lalita Devi.
Contribution to the Freedom Struggle of India
During the 1920s, Lal Bahadur Shastri started to actively contribute to the independence struggle. He was an active participant in the non-cooperation movement. His contribution had such an effect that the British were forced to put him behind bars for some time.
Undeterred by this, in 1930, he participated in the Salt Satyagraha. For this movement, the East India Company sentenced him to two years of imprisonment. Even a prison sentence of 2 years could not diminish his zeal. In 1937, he joined the parliamentary Board of U.P as the Organising Secretary. After Mahatma Gandhi issued the Quit India Speech in 1942, many of the top leaders of the country, including Lal Bahadur Shastri, were imprisoned. He was released after 4 years in 1946. Even when in prison he did not stop reading books and he became very fluent in the works of western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reforms.
Political Achievements
In 1947, he became the minister of Police and Transportation. Due to his amazing contribution to the sector, he was reappointed for the said post in 1957. In 1951, he was appointed the General Secretary of the AIC (All India Congress). In 1952, he was elected as the Rajya Sabha representative of UP. In 1955, he was appointed the Railway Minister. During his tenure, he made revolutionary changes in the Indian railway system.
In 1961, he was appointed the Home Minister. As 6th Home Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri served the country from 1961 to 1963. There he made remarkable changes to stop corruption. Finally, on 9th June 1964, he was appointed the Prime Minister of India. Lal Bahadur Shastri served his term as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1966.
Death
Lal Bahadur Shastri breathed his last in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then the Soviet Union) on 11 January 1966. The cause of his death was a heart attack.
This was the complete essay on the Life and achievements of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
FAQs on Lal Bahadur Shastri Essay in English for School Students
1. Who was Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and a respected leader known for his simplicity and honesty. He served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966 after Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Born on 2 October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
- Played an active role in the Indian freedom movement
- Gave the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”
- Passed away on 11 January 1966 in Tashkent
2. Why is Lal Bahadur Shastri famous?
Lal Bahadur Shastri is famous for his leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 and for promoting the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” He encouraged both soldiers and farmers to strengthen the nation.
- Led India successfully during wartime
- Promoted agricultural development
- Known for honesty, simplicity, and patriotism
- Inspired national unity and self-reliance
3. What is the slogan of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
The famous slogan given by Lal Bahadur Shastri is “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” which means “Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer.” This slogan highlights the importance of both defense and agriculture in building a strong nation.
- Jai Jawan – Honors the soldiers of the country
- Jai Kisan – Honors the farmers who feed the nation
- Promotes unity, strength, and self-sufficiency
4. When and where was Lal Bahadur Shastri born?
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2 October 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, India. His birth anniversary is celebrated every year along with Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
- Birthplace: Mughalsarai (now Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar)
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Born into a humble and middle-class family
5. How did Lal Bahadur Shastri contribute to India’s freedom struggle?
Lal Bahadur Shastri actively participated in the Indian independence movement and went to jail several times. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and truth.
- Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement
- Took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Imprisoned by British authorities multiple times
- Worked for social reform and national unity
6. What are the main qualities of Lal Bahadur Shastri?
The main qualities of Lal Bahadur Shastri were simplicity, honesty, humility, and patriotism. He lived a simple life and set an example of moral leadership.
- Known for personal integrity
- Believed in hard work and discipline
- Respected democratic values
- Dedicated to national service
7. How did Lal Bahadur Shastri die?
Lal Bahadur Shastri died on 11 January 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. His sudden death shocked the entire nation.
- Signed the Tashkent Agreement on 10 January 1966
- Passed away due to a reported heart attack
- Remembered as a national hero
8. Why is Lal Bahadur Shastri an ideal leader?
Lal Bahadur Shastri is considered an ideal leader because of his honesty, dedication, and selfless service to the nation. He led by example and placed the country’s interests above his own.
- Practiced what he preached
- Encouraged national unity during crises
- Promoted peace and cooperation
- Maintained a simple lifestyle even as Prime Minister
9. How do you write a short essay on Lal Bahadur Shastri?
To write a short essay on Lal Bahadur Shastri, include his early life, freedom struggle, achievements, slogan, and death in a clear and simple structure.
- Introduction – Brief information about his birth and role
- Body Paragraph – Contributions, slogan, and leadership
- Conclusion – His qualities and importance in Indian history
- Use simple language and factual details
10. What is the importance of Lal Bahadur Shastri in Indian history?
Lal Bahadur Shastri holds great importance in Indian history as a leader who strengthened the nation during war and promoted agricultural growth. His leadership shaped India’s political and moral direction.
- Led India during the 1965 war
- Encouraged the Green Revolution
- Promoted self-reliance and national pride
- Left a legacy of integrity and service
