Why Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Message Matters for Today’s Youth
One of the few influential politicians of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, is esteemed not only by Indians but also by the whole world. He served as Minister of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Railways and spent much time reading and thinking about social reformers. He received Bharat Ratna in 1966.
Here we have provided long and short speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri for students of Classes 6 to 12. Read the entire article to get an idea of how to give a speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Long Speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri
Good morning everyone! Today I will deliver a speech about India's second Prime Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh on October 2, 1904. Sharda Prasad, a school teacher, was his father, and Ramdulari Devi was his mother. Shastri wanted to help the Indian freedom movement. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's speech at the Banaras Hindu University. Due to his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the freedom movement. He always believed that self-sufficiency and self-reliance are two main pillars that contribute to the power of a nation.
Following India's independence in 1947, he was appointed the Minister of Railways and Transport in the First Cabinet of the Republic of India in 1952. After Jawaharlal Nehru's untimely death, he was appointed the Prime Minister, though he served in the position only for 18 months. He was a wonderful man and a great leader. He was given the title "Shastri," which means "great scholar."
His well-known campaign slogan is "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan." He was also opposed to the dowry system, which is why he refused to accept dowry from his own father-in-law.
He helped resolve many issues, such as food scarcity, poverty, and unemployment. To solve the problem of food scarcity, he helped implement the green revolution. During the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, he led our country commendably. He helped the people in becoming self-sufficient and independent in every way. He showcased exceptional willpower and was a very soft-spoken individual.
He was remembered for all he did to help our nation be strong enough to overcome any difficulties. He also opposed the prevalent caste system. Within himself, he had immense strong values such as patience, courtesy, and control. He was attracted by the foreign theories of Marx, Russell, and Lenin, and he read many books about them.
He was arrested during the non-cooperation movement in 1921 for demonstrating defiance against the prohibition order, but he was released soon after that. In 1930, he became a local unit secretary of the Congress Party and the president of the Allahabad Congress Committee. He also supported Mahatma Gandhi during his "Salt Satyagraha." He led a campaign where he had to go door to door and persuade people not to pay British taxes. He took part in all of these movements and contributed to India's progress toward freedom.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was posthumously awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1966. He passed away shortly after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. He died of a heart attack on January 11, 1966.
Thank you!
Short Speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri
Good morning. Today I'll give a short speech about Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, our former Prime Minister and freedom fighter. He was a senior member of the Indian National Congress. He was brought up by his mother and maternal grandfather after his father passed away. He joined Congress as a young boy and had a deep love for his country.
He was chosen to serve as the General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Committee in 1935, and he campaigned for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1937. Many national leaders found his selflessness, honesty, and attitude toward his country admirable. He was chosen to serve in the Rajya Sabha in 1952. He also held the position of Minister for the Transport Union and Railways. He resigned from his position in 1962 after accepting moral responsibility. At the time of the Indo-Pak war of 1965, he gave the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,' signifying the importance of farmers and soldiers. Shastri died of a heart attack on January 11, 1966, and was posthumously awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna. He was an amazing leader and a very good man.
Thank you!
FAQs on Lal Bahadur Shastri Speech: Inspiring Students with Leadership and Values
1. What are the key points to include when preparing a speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri?
When preparing a speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri, it's effective to structure it around these key points:
- Introduction: Start by introducing him as India's second Prime Minister and a man of great integrity and simplicity. Mention his birth date, October 2nd, which he shares with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Early Life and Values: Briefly touch upon his humble beginnings and the values of honesty and self-reliance he learned early on.
- Major Contributions: Discuss his key achievements, such as his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war and his famous slogan, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan."
- Legacy: Conclude by reflecting on his lasting legacy as a symbol of selfless service and strong moral character, and how his principles are relevant even today.
2. Who was Lal Bahadur Shastri and why is he a significant figure in Indian history?
Lal Bahadur Shastri was a key figure in India's history who served as the second Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966. His significance lies in his able leadership during a critical period for the nation. He guided India through the 1965 war with Pakistan and championed the Green Revolution and White Revolution to address food shortages and boost milk production, making India self-reliant.
3. What was Lal Bahadur Shastri's famous slogan and what did it mean?
Lal Bahadur Shastri's most famous slogan was "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," which translates to "Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer." He coined this during the 1965 Indo-Pak war to boost the morale of the soldiers and to recognise the vital role of farmers in feeding the nation. The slogan powerfully united the country by highlighting the equal importance of national security and food security.
4. What were some of Lal Bahadur Shastri's major achievements as Prime Minister?
During his brief but impactful tenure as Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri had several major achievements:
- He provided decisive leadership to India during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, which bolstered national pride.
- He promoted the Green Revolution to increase food grain production and the White Revolution to increase milk production, aiming for national self-sufficiency.
- He signed the Tashkent Declaration in January 1966, a peace agreement with Pakistan to end the war.
- He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1966, India's highest civilian honour.
5. Why is Lal Bahadur Shastri considered a symbol of honesty and simplicity in Indian politics?
Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered as a symbol of honesty and simplicity due to his unwavering commitment to moral principles. Despite holding high office, he led a modest life and never accumulated personal wealth. A famous example of his integrity is when he resigned as the Minister for Railways, taking moral responsibility for a train accident, an act that was unprecedented in Indian politics. His simple lifestyle and strong ethics make him a revered icon of integrity.
6. How did Lal Bahadur Shastri's leadership during the 1965 war shape India's future?
Lal Bahadur Shastri's leadership during the 1965 war was a turning point for India. His firm and calm handling of the conflict instilled a sense of national unity and confidence across the country. By refusing to succumb to international pressure, he asserted India's sovereignty and military capability. His leadership during this period not only secured India's borders but also demonstrated that the nation, though young, was strong and self-reliant, shaping its future foreign policy and defence strategy.
7. Why is Lal Bahadur Shastri's birth anniversary on October 2nd significant, and how does his legacy differ from Mahatma Gandhi's?
Sharing a birth anniversary on October 2nd links two of India's great leaders, but their legacies are distinct yet complementary. While Mahatma Gandhi is revered as the 'Father of the Nation' who led the freedom struggle through non-violence, Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered as a dedicated nation-builder who strengthened India after independence. Gandhi's legacy is rooted in achieving freedom, whereas Shastri's is defined by his work in preserving that freedom and steering the nation through critical economic and military challenges with immense integrity.
8. What inspirational anecdotes from Lal Bahadur Shastri's life can make a speech more impactful?
Including personal anecdotes can make a speech on Lal Bahadur Shastri very impactful. Two powerful stories are:
- As a child, he once swam across the river Ganges to get to school because he did not have money for the boat fare. This shows his early determination and thirst for knowledge.
- During a time of national food crisis, he urged citizens to skip one meal a week and started by implementing it in his own family first. This demonstrates his principle of leading by example.
9. How can students apply Lal Bahadur Shastri's principles of self-reliance and integrity today?
Students can apply Lal Bahadur Shastri's principles in their daily lives. Self-reliance can be practised by taking ownership of their studies and working hard to solve problems independently before seeking help. Integrity can be demonstrated by being honest in examinations, respecting school rules, and treating peers and teachers with sincerity. By embracing these values, students honour his legacy and build a strong moral character for themselves.
