Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2025: The nation commemorates the death anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister every 11th of January. He breathed his last in 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, after dedicating over 30 years of his life to the country.
Renowned for his integrity and competence, he was also recognized as a person of remarkable inner strength, humility, and tolerance. His visionary approach contributed significantly to the progress of the nation, as he grasped the language of the people and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the country.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2025
Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, was not just a political figure but an inspiring leader known for his principles of honesty, integrity, and humility. Born in Mughalsarai, Varanasi, he shared his birth date with the Father of the Nation, and his principles were deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
One of his memorable contributions was the iconic slogan – “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” coined during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. This slogan aimed to motivate both soldiers and farmers and is still fondly remembered today. Lal Bahadur Shastri served as India’s Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966.
Shastri was admired for leading a life of simplicity and minimalism. During the India-Pakistan war, in response to the US’s threat to cut wheat supplies, he and his family, along with citizens, skipped meals for weeks. His commitment to the nation was evident until his last breath in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. His legacy continues to inspire and is worth emulating.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shastri served as the second Prime Minister of Independent India. A prominent figure in the Indian National Congress Party, he played a key role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lal Bahadur Shastri |
| Born | October 2, 1904 |
| Birth Place | Mughalsarai, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Father | Sharada Prasad Shrivastava |
| Mother | Ramdulari Devi |
| Wife | Lalita Devi |
| Political Association | Indian National Congress |
| Movement | Indian Independence Movement |
| Death | January 11, 1966 |
| Memorial | Vijay Ghat, New Delhi |
Lal Bahadur Shastri Brief Biography
Lal Bahadur Shastri attended East Central Railway Inter College in Mughalsarai and Varanasi, earning his bachelor’s degree from Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1926. The title “Shastri,” meaning “Scholar,” was bestowed upon him during the degree award ceremony, and it became a part of his name.
Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Tilak, Shastri married Lalita Devi on May 16, 1928, and became a life member of the Servants of the People Society founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. Serving as the Society’s President, he dedicated himself to uplifting backward classes.
In the 1920s, Shastri joined the Indian Independence Movement, actively participating in the non-cooperation movement and facing imprisonment by the British. His involvement extended to the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, resulting in over two years of imprisonment. In 1937, he assumed the role of Organising Secretary of the Parliamentary Board of U.P.
Amidst the Quit India movement in 1942, he was jailed again following Mahatma Gandhi’s speech in Mumbai, remaining incarcerated until 1946. Shastri spent a total of about nine years in jail, utilizing the time to read and acquaint himself with the works of Western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reformers.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Political Achievements
Following India’s independence, Lal Bahadur Shastri assumed the role of Parliamentary Secretary in Uttar Pradesh. In 1947, he took on the responsibilities of the Minister of Police and Transport. During his tenure as the Transport Minister, he notably appointed women conductors for the first time.
As the head of the Police Department, Shastri implemented a directive for the use of water jets instead of lathis to disperse agitated crowds.
In 1951, Shastri became the General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee, successfully managing publicity and election-related activities. His political journey continued as he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in 1952. Serving as the Railway Minister in 1955, he oversaw the installation of the first machine at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
In 1957, Shastri resumed ministerial roles, first as the Minister for Transport and Communications, and later as the Minister of Commerce and Industry. In 1961, he became the Home Minister and established the Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Shastri’s notable contribution was the creation of the “Shastri Formula,” addressing language agitations in Assam and Punjab.
On June 9, 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri assumed the position of India’s Prime Minister. He championed the White Revolution, a national initiative to boost milk production, and advocated for the Green Revolution to increase food production in the country.
While maintaining Nehru’s non-alignment policy, Shastri also fostered a relationship with the Soviet Union. In 1964, he signed the Srimavo-Shastri Pact with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, focusing on the status of Indian Tamils in Ceylon.
During his official visit to Rangoon, Burma, in 1965, Shastri re-established friendly relations with the Military government of General Ne Win. India faced aggression from Pakistan that same year, and Shastri, displaying strong leadership, authorized the Security Forces to respond forcefully, earning widespread support. The Indo-Pak war concluded on September 23, 1965.
On January 10, 1966, Russian Prime Minister Kosygin offered mediation, leading to the signing of the Tashkent Declaration between Lal Bahadur Shastri and his Pakistani counterpart Ayub Khan.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Death
Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away from a heart attack on January 11, 1966. He received India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, posthumously in the same year.
Shastri was recognized for his integrity and competence, earning a reputation as a humble and tolerant leader with inner strength. He had a profound understanding of the common man’s language and was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings. Shastri, a visionary leader, guided nations toward progress during his time in office.
| Related Links | |
|---|---|
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2025 | World Hindi Day 2025 |
| World Day of War Orphans 2025 | Banada Ashtami 2025 |
| Earth’s Rotation Day 2025 | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 |
Lal Bahadur Shastri FAQs
Q.1. When is Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death anniversary in 2025?
Ans. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death anniversary is observed on January 11, 2025.
Q.2. Where did Lal Bahadur Shastri pass away?
Ans. Lal Bahadur Shastri breathed his last in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on January 11, 1966.
Q.3. What iconic slogan is associated with Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Ans. Lal Bahadur Shastri coined the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” during the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
Q.4. What awards did Lal Bahadur Shastri receive posthumously?
Ans. Lal Bahadur Shastri was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1966.
Ans. What were Lal Bahadur Shastri’s notable contributions as Prime Minister?
Ans. Shastri championed the White Revolution, focused on agricultural reforms, and displayed strong leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, earning widespread support.
