Lal Bahadur Shastri

India's second Prime Minister • Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan

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Life & Legacy

Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966) was a statesman known for integrity, simplicity and decisive leadership. Born in Mughalsarai on 2 October, he earned the honorific “Shastri” from Kashi Vidyapeeth and devoted his life to India’s freedom and development.

He served as Railway and Home Minister before becoming India’s second Prime Minister in 1964. He led the nation through the 1965 war, galvanized the country with the call “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, and championed self‑reliance, food security and discipline.

Shastri exemplified accountability—resigning after a major rail accident as Railway Minister—and maintained a life of austere simplicity. He signed the Tashkent Agreement to secure peace and passed away in Tashkent on 11 January 1966. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously the same year.

His legacy endures in the values of honesty, duty, and nation‑building, inspiring generations to serve with humility and courage.

Timeline

  1. 1904
    Born in Mughalsarai (now Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar), Uttar Pradesh
  2. 1928
    Conferred the academic title “Shastri” by Kashi Vidyapeeth
  3. 1952–56
    Minister for Railways; resigns after Ariyalur rail accident, setting a benchmark for accountability
  4. 1964
    Becomes Prime Minister of India
  5. 1965
    Leads India during war; coins “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”; strengthens food and defense policies
  6. 1966
    Signs Tashkent Agreement; passes away in Tashkent; awarded Bharat Ratna

Values

Integrity

Unwavering honesty, accountability and service before self.

Discipline

Personal austerity and national resolve in challenging times.

Self‑Reliance

Confidence in India’s farmers, soldiers and citizens to build the nation.

Quotes

Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

The preservation of freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

Vijay Ghat Memorial

Vijay Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi, marks the resting place of Lal Bahadur Shastri. The memorial reflects dignity, simplicity and quiet contemplation.

  • Entry: FREE PUBLIC ENTRY
  • Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday Closed)
  • Location: Near the Raj Ghat area, Central Delhi
  • Address: 1, Motilal Nehru Place Circle, Janpath, New Delhi 110011 INDIA
  • Best time: Morning or late afternoon

Directions: Reach us from Akbar Road at Motilal Nehru Place Circle, the round intersection of Akbar Road, Janpath and Motilal Nehru Marg.

Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence and decorum. Photography is usually permitted; security checks may apply. Carry water, and dress modestly.

Directions