Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966) was the 2nd Prime Minister of India, serving from 1964 until his death in 1966. He was a key figure in India’s freedom struggle, serving as a member of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement. He was known for his simplicity, honesty, and his slogan of “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer). He signed the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, ending the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, following the signing of the agreement, under mysterious circumstances.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes
“Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for the nation.”
“We must fight for peace bravely as we fought in war.”
“We can win respect in the world only if we are strong internally and can banish poverty and unemployment from our country.”
“I had always been feeling uncomfortable in my mind about giving advice to others and not acting upon it myself.”
“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go.”
“We believe in peace in the settlement of all disputes through peaceful means, in the abolition of war, and, more particularly, nuclear war.”
“No doubt we have to have bigger projects, bigger industries, basic industries, but it is a matter of the highest importance that we look to the common man, the weakest element in the society.”
“It is most regrettable that nuclear energy is being harnessed for making nuclear weapons.
“Our way is straight and clear – the building up of a socialist democracy at home, with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations abroad.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes on Freedom
“We believe in freedom, freedom for the people of each country to follow their destiny without external interference.”
“We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.”
“We would consider it our moral duty to lend all support to the ending of colonialism and imperialism so that people everywhere are free to mould their own destiny.”
“We believe in the dignity of man as an individual, whatever his race, colour or creed, and his right to better, fuller, and richer life.”
“India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable.” “India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable.”
“I am not as simple as I look.”
“We have to surmount the difficulties that face us and work steadfastly for the happiness and prosperity of our country.”
“The unique thing about our country is that we have Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, and people of all other religions. We have temples and mosques, gurdwaras and churches. But we do not bring all this into politics… This is the difference between India and Pakistan.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes on Peace
“If Pakistan has any ideas of annexing any part of our territories by force, she should think afresh. I want to state categorically that force will be met with force and aggression against us will never be allowed to succeed.”
“We believe in peace in the settlement of all disputes through peaceful means, in the abolition of war, and more particularly, nuclear war.”
“Non-alignment will continue to be the fundamental basis of our approach to world problems and our relations with other countries.”
“No doubt we have to have bigger projects, bigger industries, basic industries, but it is a matter of the highest importance that we look to the common man, the weakest element in the society.”
“It is most regrettable that nuclear energy is being harnessed for making nuclear weapons.”
“There has no doubt to be fundamental research in science, but applied research is equally important for new improvements and changes in our techniques.”
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