The nation bowed to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 59th death anniversary, with emotional tributes from Union ministers and chief ministers highlighting his enduring impact.
Shastri, who served as PM from 1964-66, died mysteriously in Soviet Uzbekistan. PM Modi remembered him as ‘a symbol of clean politics,’ urging youth to emulate his dedication.
At memorials across India, wreaths were laid. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted Shastri’s diplomatic acumen in Tashkent talks post-war.
State leaders like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin praised his farmer-centric policies. ‘Shastri ji ended famines through resolve,’ Sarma said.
Shastri’s life story – from freedom fighter to PM – inspires. He doubled food grain output, honoring jawans and kisans alike.
Programs in schools taught his mantra of ‘self-dependence.’ Political parties held rallies, debating his unsolved death.
In a time of economic shifts, Shastri’s austerity – returning his PM car – contrasts luxury politics. Tributes ended with resolve to uphold his vision for a strong India.