remembering the Prime Minister who died Poor

 People who forget their Heroes are bound to be ruled by Villains. 

While the Politicians, News channels and common junta sing songs about Gandhi; On his Birth Anniversary, I recall three stories about Lal Bahadur Shastri - the 2nd Prime Minister of India, that made me his ardent admirer. 

1.Life and Death, in Poverty:
During Quit India Movement, Lal Bahadur Shastri, was released from jail on parole, as his Daughter was seriously ill. Shastri ji, who had no savings, couldn't save his Daughter; the drugs prescribed by the doctor were too costly. Even after all the years being in cabinet and serving as Prime Minister of India, when Shastri ji passed away, all he owned was an old car, which he had bought in installments from Govt. and for which he still owed money!

2.The 1965 War with Pakistan:
In just a year after being appointed as the Prime Minister of India in 1964, Pakistani Army skirmished with Indian forcen in August 1965, Laying claim to half the Kutch Peninsula. In his report to Lok Sabha on the matter he said :

"In the utilization of our limited resources, we have always given primacy to plans and projects for economic development. It would, therefore, be obvious for anyone who is prepared to look at things objectively that India can have no possible interest in provoking border incidents or in building up an atmosphere of strife... In these circumstances, the duty of Government is quite clear and this duty will be discharged fully and effectively... We would prefer to live in poverty for as long as necessary but we shall not allow our freedom to be subverted."

Under scheme proposed by British Prime Minister in june 1965, Pakistan obtained 10% of its original claim of 50% of the territory. 

Shastri ji on top of a captured Patton Tank.

Pakistan, now diverting attention to Kashmir, attacked in September, the same year and war broke out. Shatri ji displayed a knack for taking quick and decisive actions during the war. He swiftly took the advice of his commanders and ordered a strike across the Punjab border. (This was in stark contrast to Nehru who in a similar situation in 1962, had refused to call in the air force to relieve the pressure on the ground troops.) Result - Indian Army inflicted a crushing defeat on Pakistan! after the UN's mandated cease-fire, on 23rd September 1965 in a broadcast to the Nation, Shatri ji Stated :

"While the conflict between the armed forces of the two countries has come to an end, the more important thing for the United Nations and all those who stand for peace is to bring to an end the deeper conflict.... How can this be brought about? In our view, the only answer lies in peaceful coexistence. India has stood for the principle of coexistence and championed it all over the world. Peaceful coexistence is possible among nations no matter how deep the differences between them, how far apart they are in their political and economic systems, no matter how intense the issues that divide them." 

3.China playing monkey in the conflict of two cats: 

On 17 September 1965, while the Indo-Pak war was on, India received a letter from China alleging that the Indian army had set up army equipment in Chinese territory, and India would face China's wrath, unless the equipment was pulled down. In spite of the threat of aggression from China, Shastri ji declared: 

"China's allegation is untrue. If China attacks India it is our firm resolve to fight for our freedom. The might of China will not deter us from defending our territorial integrity." 

The Chinese did not dare to respond back.

These were just 3 incidents among the many achievements of the Politician who made no money and died leaving no great wealth behind for his family; one that within his small tenure as the 2nd Prime Minister of India, made huge contributions and who with his short physical stature achieved great feats. 

We remember you Lal Bahadur Shastri with Pride that we were fortunate to have you as our Prime Minister once...and yet with sad hearts that ...

tho you were the 2nd Prime Minister of India, 

India never got a Second Lal Bahadur Shastri.

On your Birth Anniversary, I pay you my humble respects.