The coincidence of two of India’s prominent figures in the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, sharing the same birth date of October 2, separated by 35 years, is noteworthy. Historical accounts indicate that Gandhi’s principles and philosophies had a profound impact on Shastri throughout his life, from his formative years in Varanasi to his tenure as the second Prime Minister of independent India.
During the freedom movement, Gandhi made his return to India in 1915 after a successful period in South Africa, where he evolved from a budding lawyer into a significant civil rights activist over two decades. His emphasis on non-violence captured public attention and set the stage for a new approach in the struggle for independence.
At the age of 11, Shastri was inspired by Gandhi’s impactful address at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. Journalist D. R. Mankekar, in his book “Builders of Modern India: Lal Bahadur Shastri,” recounts how Shastri was deeply moved by this experience. Gandhi spoke in front of an audience that included Viceroy Lord Hardinge and various princely rulers, condemning the oppressive actions of the British and the complicity of Indian princes in colonial rule.
Mankekar wrote that Shastri was astonished by Gandhi’s ability to inspire and lead despite his gentle demeanor, realizing that the forces of truth and justice were unparalleled.
Shastri’s commitment to the nationalist movement was solidified during a second encounter with Gandhi in 1921, when Gandhi urged Indians to participate in the Non-Cooperation movement. At the invitation of Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder and Vice Chancellor of BHU, Gandhi addressed a gathering in Benaras.
C.P. Srivastava highlights in his book “Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Life of Truth in Politics” that Gandhi’s speech called on youth aged 16 and older to withdraw from government-affiliated educational institutions, regardless of the potential repercussions. At 16, Shastri faced a dilemma between completing his studies or joining Gandhi’s cause. When he expressed his desire to leave school, his family was shocked, with the exception of his mother, Ram Dulari Devi, who advised him to carefully consider his decision.
Ultimately, Shastri chose to follow his mother’s counsel. He realized that his foremost loyalty was to India, and his higher duty was to contribute to his country’s independence, despite the sacrifices it entailed. The next day, he withdrew from Harish Chandra High School and joined the Congress Party as a volunteer, dedicating himself to Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence.
Following Jawaharlal Nehru’s lengthy tenure as Prime Minister, Shastri quietly began to make his own mark in office. One of his most significant challenges was the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which revolved around the Kashmir issue. The conflict lasted 22 days until the United Nations intervened to establish a ceasefire.
The Soviet Union took on the role of mediator, facilitating discussions between representatives of both nations in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, culminating in the signing of the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, which formally concluded the war.
L.P. Singh, a former bureaucrat who collaborated closely with Shastri during his time as Prime Minister, noted in “Portrait of Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Quintessential Gandhian” that Shastri believed that maintaining peace and fostering positive relations with Pakistan was crucial for India’s integrity. He warned that ongoing tensions could lead to further military conflict, jeopardizing India’s unique heritage of non-violence and the values imparted by Gandhi.
Sandeep Shastri, a political scientist and no relation to Lal Bahadur, also references Shastri’s commitment to Gandhian ideals in his 2019 book “Lal Bahadur Shastri: Politics and Beyond.” He recounts how Shastri expressed to his aides that signing the Tashkent agreement was his way of honoring Gandhi, emphasizing that failing to promote peace and non-violence would contradict the principles Gandhi championed.
Tragically, Shastri passed away from a sudden heart attack on January 11, 1966, just a day after the Tashkent agreement was signed. Even in this final act as Prime Minister, he embodied the essence of a true Gandhian leader.
Abhinav Chakraborty is a journalist with a strong focus on politics, global affairs, features, and long-form writing. He has a background in human resources and experience in People Operations.
