Lal Bahadur Shastri: Ten Simple Lines for Students
This work has been verified by our teacher: 21.01.2026 at 13:46
Type of homework: History Essay
Added: 19.01.2026 at 10:32
Summary:
Discover 10 simple lines on Lal Bahadur Shastri to learn about his life, values, and leadership as India’s second Prime Minister. Perfect for students. 📚
10 Lines on Lal Bahadur Shastri: An In-depth Essay
India’s past is decorated with the stories of great leaders who lit the path of our freedom and nation-building. Among such illustrious personalities, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the nation’s second Prime Minister, stands out as a figure of simplicity, honesty, and rare moral courage. Even today, his life continues to inspire millions—students, professionals, and political leaders alike. In this essay, I will present “10 Lines on Lal Bahadur Shastri”, exploring his journey as a humble son of the soil who rose to guide India during both war and peace. These lines will not merely summarise his life, but also underline the ideals he lived by and the profound legacy he left behind.
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1. Early Life and Birth Details
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tale begins on 2nd October 1904, in a small but culturally rich town called Ramnagar, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Coincidentally, he shares his birth date with Mahatma Gandhi—two architects of independent India born on the same auspicious day. Shastri belonged to a modest Kayastha family; his father was a school teacher, which exposed young Shastri to the importance of education and humility. The untimely demise of his father left the family struggling, instilling values of resilience and self-reliance in little Lal Bahadur from a tender age. His early hardships are reminiscent of stories from Premchand’s literature, where the struggles of common people against adversity are central themes.2. Education
Despite financial hurdles, Shastri’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He studied in local schools in Mughalsarai and Varanasi, where he showed keen interest in literature, philosophy, and languages such as Hindi and English. Later, he joined Kashi Vidyapeeth, a proud institution founded by nationalist leaders to promote indigenous education during the British era. It is here that he earned the title “Shastri”, denoting scholarly mastery—a mark of his dedication and intellect, much as personalities like Madan Mohan Malaviya are remembered for their academic contributions. The values and wisdom he acquired through his education became the bedrock of his approach to governance and public service.3. Personal Principles and Beliefs
What sets Lal Bahadur Shastri apart from many of his contemporaries was his unwavering adherence to personal and social principles. He famously dropped his hereditary surname “Srivastava” as a statement against the rigid caste system that plagued Indian society. This gesture echoed the reformist zeal of leaders like Jyotirao Phule, who fought tirelessly for social equality. Shastri also rejected the dowry system, choosing a simple wedding with hardly any expenditure—even cycling to his bride’s village without the usual pomp. Deeply inspired by Gandhian ideals, he made truth, non-violence, and simplicity the cornerstones of his conduct, both in private and public life.4. Role in India's Freedom Movement
From his early youth, Shastri was deeply moved by Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion calls—first for Non-Cooperation, then for the Salt Satyagraha, and later, the Civil Disobedience movement. Defying colonial rules, he courted arrest during the Salt March and spent several years in British jails. Similar to the courage shown by other freedom fighters, such as Ram Prasad Bismil and Chandra Shekhar Azad (though Shastri advocated non-violence), he remained undeterred by hardship or intimidation. His sacrifices during the independence movement proved his mettle, establishing his reputation as a committed and principled nationalist.5. Political Career Before Becoming Prime Minister
After independence, Shastri entered public service with a clear vision for nation-building. He served as Minister of Police and Transport in Uttar Pradesh, where his reforms brought about noticeable improvements. For example, he introduced the appointment of women conductors in public buses, breaking gender boundaries and encouraging women’s participation in the workforce—reflecting the ideals championed by figures like Sarojini Naidu. As Railway Minister, he set an unprecedented example by resigning after a major train accident, taking moral responsibility—something that became part of India’s political folklore as a standard of political ethics. His tenure in various ministries, including Home Affairs, was marked by efficient, transparent governance.6. Becoming the Prime Minister of India
The sudden demise of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964 left a giant void in Indian politics. At this critical juncture, Shastri was unanimously chosen to lead India as the second Prime Minister. The choice of a quiet, honest leader over more flamboyant rivals showed the nation’s appreciation for his integrity. His calm, measured approach helped ease the political uncertainties of the mid-1960s. Leaders across party lines and common citizens found in him a symbol of unity and reassurance amid complex challenges, such as food shortages and border threats.7. Major Contributions During His Tenure
One of Shastri’s lasting legacies is his inspiring slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”—saluting soldiers who protect the motherland and farmers who nourish its people. This slogan, echoing the inclusivity of Tagore’s poetry and the spirit of rural India immortalised in Shivaram Karanth’s stories, captured the imagination of the masses. During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Shastri’s resolute leadership rallied the country, instilling confidence during trying times. Simultaneously, he encouraged agricultural self-sufficiency, promoting the ‘Green Revolution’ drive, thus lighting the path towards food security and self-reliance for future generations.8. Approach to Governance and Social Reforms
Even in the face of political turbulence, Shastri never wavered from his principles. He championed peaceful crowd management methods—introducing water jets instead of violent lathi-charges, illustrating a humane approach rarely witnessed in that era. His push for the inclusion of women as bus conductors predated the larger women’s empowerment movement in India. Notably, Shastri maintained a lifestyle of remarkable simplicity; he lived in a modest house and discouraged wasteful government spending. Like Swami Vivekananda, who believed in service over luxury, Shastri’s life was a living testament to the virtue of simple living and high thinking.9. International Role and Tashkent Agreement
Shastri’s maturity came to the fore in the international arena, especially after the Indo-Pak conflict. He travelled to Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan) to negotiate peace with the Pakistani leader Ayub Khan. The Tashkent Agreement, signed in January 1966 under the mediation of Soviet leader Alexei Kosygin, restored tranquillity to a hesitant South Asia. However, the euphoria was short-lived as Shastri tragically passed away in Tashkent under mysterious circumstances just hours after signing the accord. His untimely demise led to widespread mourning in India, with debates and speculations persisting about the real cause of his death—making him a subject of both reverence and sorrow.10. Legacy and Honours
Lal Bahadur Shastri remains, to this day, a beacon of integrity, patriotism, and humility for all Indians. The government of India posthumously conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, as a recognition not just of his services but of the values he embodied. His birthplace, work spaces, and the very slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” have become pilgrimages for the inspired and the aspiring. Countless institutions, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, bear his name, ensuring that his spirit continues to guide new generations of nation-builders. His life is frequently cited in Indian textbooks, competitive exams, and public speeches as a model of leadership rooted in humility and principle.---
Conclusion
In these ten lines, we have traversed the journey of Lal Bahadur Shastri—from the bylanes of Ramnagar to the global stage as India’s Prime Minister. His story is not just about occupying high office but fulfilling it with honesty, sacrifice, and extraordinary simplicity. Shastri’s struggle against social evils, his contributions to India’s freedom and progress, and his message of unity and self-reliance still resonate deeply with our nation’s youth. As students, when we reflect on his life, we are reminded not only of the power of humble beginnings but also of how true greatness comes from serving others selflessly. In his own words: “The preservation of freedom, is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong.” Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life is a continuing lesson that the meek can indeed inherit the earth—provided they stand for truth.---
Writing Tip: Always remember to express deep respect and admiration when writing on such stalwarts of our history, and let Shastri’s life inspire your own pursuit of honesty, courage, and service.
Sample questions
The answers have been prepared by our teacher
What are ten simple lines about Lal Bahadur Shastri for students?
Ten simple lines about Lal Bahadur Shastri highlight his humble beginnings, education at Kashi Vidyapeeth, opposition to caste and dowry, his role in India's freedom movement, and his principled public life.
How did Lal Bahadur Shastri show simplicity and honesty in his life?
Lal Bahadur Shastri demonstrated simplicity and honesty by refusing dowry, discarding his surname to oppose the caste system, and leading a life guided by truth and non-violence.
What was Lal Bahadur Shastri's role in India's freedom movement?
Lal Bahadur Shastri joined the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements, endured imprisonment for participating in protests, and championed non-violent resistance against British rule.
Where and when was Lal Bahadur Shastri born according to ten simple lines?
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904 in Ramnagar, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
What educational achievements are noted in ten lines on Lal Bahadur Shastri?
Lal Bahadur Shastri studied in Varanasi, earned the title 'Shastri' at Kashi Vidyapeeth, and excelled in Hindi, English, and philosophy despite financial challenges.
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