New Delhi, Jan 11: Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 60th death anniversary, recalling his leadership, simplicity and contribution to India’s national security and self-reliance.
In a message, Shah said Shastri’s iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, given at a time of national crisis, reflected a profound balance between the strength of India’s armed forces and the central role of farmers in ensuring the country’s self-reliance.
Describing Shastri as a leader who rose from a humble background, the Home Minister said his firm resolve and decisive leadership guided India to victory during the 1965 war.
He noted that Shastri’s life demonstrated how determination and integrity could shape the destiny of a nation.
Shah added that the former prime minister’s simple lifestyle and commitment to public service continue to inspire generations of social workers and leaders across the country.
Lal Bahadur Shastri served as India’s second Prime Minister and undertook agricultural reforms and led the nation to victory in the 1965 war against Pakistan. The Indian army, then led by Gen Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, took 1,920 sq km of Pakistani territory, including significant areas in the Lahore and Sialkot sectors and the strategically vital Haji Pir Pass.
A UN-mandated ceasefire on September 23, 1965, stopped the fighting.
Shastri negotiated a peace treaty with Pakistan with the Soviet union playing ‘broker’ and died in Tashkent after the treaty was signed on January 11, 1966.
