October 2 is a very special day for India. Two of its most loved and respected leaders-Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shashtri were born on this day. A simple man with exemplary lifestyle Shashtri proved to be one of the heroes of the history of India.
He was a man of great courage and will who successfully led the country during the 1965 war with Pakistan. To mobilize the support of country during the war he coined the slogan of “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. Lal Bahadur Sastri also played a key role in India’s freedom struggle.
On the 110th birthday of Lal Bahadur Shastri, here are some of the most amazing and inspiring words spoken by the leader:
“The emphasis on religion as a basis of defining majorities and minorities in a secular state is quite misplaced and contradiction in terms. You all understand, I am sure, that religion does not aim at dividing. On the other hand, all true religions have a basic unity.”
“In this vast country of ours, people profess different religions, speak different languages, dress differently and observe different customs; but we are one nation; the history of our struggle; for independence and our faith in our future are our common bonds.”
“We want freedom for our country, but not at the expense of others, not us to degrade other countries…I want the freedom of my country so that other countries may learn something from my free country so that the resources of my country may be utilised for the benefit of mankind.”
“India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in anyway to be untouchable.”
“The basic idea of governance, as I see it, is to hold the society together so that it can develop and march towards certain goals. Those who govern must see how the people react to administration. Ultimately, the people are the final arbiters.”
Though diminutive in physical stature, Shastri was a man of great courage and will.
Prime Minster Narendra Modi, today paid homage to Shastri on his 110th birth anniversary.