Global Heros Signature on Indian Independence.
One man is known for his simplicity, leadership qualities and the famous slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. And the other one is known for his Satyagraha! They are none other than Lal Bahdur Shastri and Mahatma Gandhi. Both the legendary leaders were born on same day, October 2. Lal Bahadur was a true administrator and an inspiration for the youth as well as nation builder. He was also an indispensable part of the Indian freedom struggle.
Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904 at Mughal Sarai, Uttar Pradesh in a very simple family. His original name was Lal Bahadur Srivastava. He was against the caste system and had dropped his surname as a mark of protest. The title ‘Shastri’, meaning scholar, was added to his name after he completed his course at Kashi Vidyapeeth in 1926. At present, India has many roads, monuments, public squares, and stadiums after his name. Lal Bahadur Shastri was a man full of honesty and truthfulness. He joined ‘Servants of People Society’ founded by Lala Lajpat Rai after completing his studies at Kashi Vidyapeeth. He was a very active freedom fighter and a great disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. Shastri participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. In the same year, he was appointed as the General Secretary of Allahabad District Congress Committee. Shastri was imprisoned many a times by the British during the freedom struggle. After Independence, he became a minister in the state government of Uttar Pradesh. From 1952 to 1956, he served the federal as the minister of transport; from 1957 to 1961, as minister of industry; and from 1961 to 1963 as home affairs minister. He set an exceptional example in politics by resigning from cabinet, taking a moral responsibility of a railway accident. His resignation was accepted by Jawaharlal Nehru just to set an example, though he was not at fault. After the demise of Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri was sworn in as the second Prime Minister of India on June 9, 1964. He held the office for 582 days from June 9, 1964 to January 11, 1996.
During his short tenure, he came across many problems but faced each with flexibility and firmness. He was an able administrator. Rather than conflict, he gave preference to cooperation. Personal views of every member at cabinet meeting were taken very seriously before taking any decision. To collect information and advice, Lal Bahadur Shastri set up his own Prime Minister’s Secretariat, independent of the ministries. He maintained the norms of a democratic system. Lal Bahadur Shastri revolutionized the agriculture sector of India and gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.
When it comes to Mahatma Gandhi, his ideologies of peace and nonviolence have transcended the boundaries of nations and inspired individuals from across the globe to promote equality and justice for all. His philosophies inspired other iconic figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.
Through Gandhi’s leadership, India was brought into existence as a sovereign nation in 1947; his effects on the nation are still prominent in its governance system, and Gandhian ideals are still considered to be an important basis for Indian culture. Oftentimes referred to as “Bapu,” the father of India has his memory living on constantly in the nation; his face is even on Indian currency.
Institutions across the world study Gandhi’s Satyagraha and Sarvodaya, in an attempt to better understand the promulgation of peace. Such places are even researching ways to modernize these principles to have a prominent place on the contemporary international stage, allowing for the evolution of a world order that is governed by peace, cooperation, justice, and harmony. Even now, well after his death, Gandhi continues to have a powerful impact on global society.
With Mahatma Gandhi’s prominent position in Indian society, it is not surprising that his ways and teachings are criticized. It is argued by many that Gandhian values cannot be used to successfully run modern-day India. Many of the laws governing India date back to the birth of the country, and it can be argued that these Gandhi-era laws must be modernized to keep up with the constantly evolving nation. However, these critiques form a complete contrast in relation to those who study Gandhi’s nonviolent ways as an outlook for future peace and international cooperation.
With the 144th anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s birth being on October 2, it is important that Gandhian ideals, ideologies, and philosophies are considered in a full context. From constant news reports and testimonies from those living in the nation, it is clear that the current governmental structure of India is not working efficiently; its citizens do not have the sense of security that is inherent for those residing in modern nations. Whilst there is merit to understanding Gandhi’s nonviolent ways, especially through his philosophy (Satyagraha) and theory of social change (Sarvodaya), it is also important to explore the various options in modernizing the Indian system of governance.
Mahatma Gandhi is no doubt a national hero and an international leader; his work will always be one of the foundational tools for working towards an international community of peace. The similarity between Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri is that they were global heroes, without whom Indian Independence movement was incomplete!
