2nd October – Celebrating Gandhi Jayanti & Shastri Jayanti
The birth anniversaries of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri on 2nd October every year provides an opportunity to commemorate and learn the indelible values, ethics, and virtues preached by the personalities of these two most prominent World leaders of all time. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869, while Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904.
Things to learn from Gandhi and Shastri
Student fraternity can ostensibly grab several values and principles from the iconic characters of Mahatma Gandhi and Shastri. While Mahatma Gandhi always fought hard for the truth, non-violence, justice, equality, and freedom while integrity, simplicity, and honesty remained the virtues of one of the most honest politicians of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Students can learn dedication, devotion, equality, self-esteem, affection, and the power of truth from Mahatma Gandhi, whereas Lal Bahadur Shastri continues to inspire students with patriotism, honesty, and sincerity. Fearful Mahatma Gandhi was not deterred from the atrocities of the colonial rulers and always stood for the truth. Gandhi not only created a movement on his home soil but also fought with self-belief against colonial rule in South Africa.
Never say die attitude
Gandhi and Shastri gave their whole lives to the country without thinking about their own lives for a second. Both spent their lives in jail for raising their voice against colonial rule and injustice. Gandhi and Shastri were both epitomes of simplicity in life and patriotism. Discipline in life was also one of the several common traits of Gandhi and Shastri.
Students can imbibe a lot from the vibrant personalities and lives of the two greatest political leaders who shook the World with their visions, ideology, and virtues. Gandhi coined the term ‘Swaraj’ for the indigenous rule of the people and better governance; Shastri gave the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, which epitomizes the contribution of soldiers and farmers toward the nation. No words are sufficient to describe Gandhi, who sacrificed his life for the country’s welfare, freedom, and progress.
Even the legendary scientist Albert Einstein once said about Mahatma Gandhi, “Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.” A deceptively simple man, Gandhi overturned the greatest Empire the World has ever seen. The 2nd Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, took over the country’s reins when India was facing a post-war food crisis with its neighboring country, Pakistan. His slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ inspired people to take up farming and increase agricultural production to make India self-reliant in food production. At the same time, his sentiments for the soldiers of the Indian army prompted respect for the Soldiers and even inspired many to Join the army. This slogan of Shastri reflected the aspirations of the country. Lal Bahadur Shastri once resigned from the post of Union Railway Minister after a train accident in the country, reflecting that Shastri was a man of Integrity and Ethics.
