It is a nationwide celebration held at all important Government offices, Schools, Colleges, Institutions and NGOs.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti is celebrated on October 2nd every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India. Born on October 2, 1904, Shastri was a prominent leader known for his humility, dedication, and simplicity. His tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for significant achievements, including promoting the White Revolution (a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk) and leading India during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
Shastri coined the famous slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" (Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer), highlighting the importance of both soldiers and farmers in the country. His leadership style and policies have left a lasting impact on India.
On Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, various events and programs are organized to honor his legacy. These include paying homage at his memorial, holding discussions and seminars on his contributions, and organizing cultural programs and essay competitions in schools and colleges. The day is also shared with Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, making October 2nd a significant day in Indian history.
Celebration of Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti is celebrated across India with various events and activities to honor the life and contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Here are some common ways the day is observed:
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Tributes and Homages:
- People visit Shastri's memorials, such as the Vijay Ghat in New Delhi, to pay their respects.
- Leaders, politicians, and citizens offer flowers and wreaths at his statues and portraits.
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Educational Institutions:
- Schools and colleges organize special assemblies where students present speeches, poems, and skits about Shastri's life and achievements.
- Essay writing, debate, and quiz competitions focused on his contributions and values are held.
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Cultural Programs:
- Cultural programs including plays, music, and dance performances that reflect Shastri’s principles and the era he lived in are organized.
- Documentaries and films about his life and political career are screened.
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Seminars and Discussions:
- Various organizations and institutions conduct seminars, discussions, and lectures highlighting Shastri's policies, leadership style, and his impact on Indian society.
- Scholars and historians participate in these events to shed light on lesser-known aspects of his life.
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Community Service:
- Some communities engage in social service activities such as cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, and food distribution to the needy, embodying Shastri's values of simplicity and service.
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Media Coverage:
- Television channels and radio stations broadcast special programs, interviews, and documentaries about Lal Bahadur Shastri.
- Newspapers and online platforms publish articles, editorials, and tributes to mark the occasion.
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Government Initiatives:
- Government officials and political leaders commemorate the day by organizing official events and ceremonies.
- Awards and honors may be given in Shastri's name to individuals and organizations contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Celebrations in Schools, Colleges and Institutions
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti is observed in schools, colleges, and institutions with a range of activities aimed at educating students about his life and principles. Here’s a detailed look at how these institutions typically celebrate the day:
1. Special Assemblies and Ceremonies
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Tribute Ceremonies: Students and teachers gather for a special assembly where they offer floral tributes to portraits of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
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Speeches and Discussions: Teachers and selected students give speeches on Shastri’s life, his role in Indian independence, his tenure as Prime Minister, and his famous slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
2. Educational Activities
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Essay Competitions: Students participate in essay writing contests on topics like “The Legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri” or “The Impact of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.”
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Debates and Discussions: Debate competitions focus on themes related to Shastri’s policies, such as rural development, national security, and leadership qualities.
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Quiz Competitions: Quizzes are organized based on Shastri’s life, achievements, and historical context. Prizes are often awarded to winners.
3. Cultural Programs
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Theatrical Performances: Schools and colleges may organize plays or skits depicting significant events from Shastri’s life or illustrating his principles and vision for India.
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Poetry Recitations: Students recite poems dedicated to Shastri or perform original compositions celebrating his contributions.
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Music and Dance Performances: Cultural performances, including patriotic songs and dances, reflect the spirit of Shastri’s era and his impact on Indian society.
4. Creative Projects
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Art Exhibitions: Students create and display artwork, including paintings, drawings, and posters, related to Shastri’s life and achievements.
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Poster Making: Poster-making contests are held, where students design posters with messages and images celebrating Shastri’s legacy.
5. Educational Workshops and Seminars
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Workshops: Workshops are conducted to explore themes from Shastri’s life, such as leadership qualities, the importance of farmers and soldiers, and national unity.
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Guest Lectures: Historians, scholars, and prominent figures are invited to give talks or lectures on Shastri’s role in Indian history and his contributions to nation-building.
6. Community Service Projects
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Social Service Initiatives: In line with Shastri’s values, students and staff might engage in community service activities such as cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, or food distribution for underprivileged communities.
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Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns to raise awareness about Shastri’s principles, like promoting patriotism and community service, are often organized.
7. Commemorative Events
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Screenings: Documentaries or biographical films about Lal Bahadur Shastri are screened for students.
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Special Editions: Schools may publish special editions of newsletters or magazines featuring articles, stories, and interviews related to Shastri’s life and impact.
Celebration in NGOs
Community events are organized by Red Cross Society or Lion’s Club of India and various NGOs dealing in agricultural and farmers-related issued. Patriotic songs are sung and there is a felicitation to the brave hearts who are presently fighting for the cause of the country.
Many school and NGOs organize programs revolving around the cause of the farmers on this day. An NGO in Kanpur, last year started a programme to educate women belonging to the househols of farmers in a nearby village. Many similar initiatives are taken by schools and institutions who believe in the vision of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Since he regarded agriculture to be the backbone of the country, various agricultural and rural development schemes are initiated in his honor.
About Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Sharstri was born on October 2, 1904. He served during the Freedom Struggle since 1920 and also became the second Prime Minister of the country after independence. He is the man behind the revolution of the agricultural sector in India.He is known to uphold the ideas of self respect and ethics of every living man. A staunch follower of Gandhi and Nehru, his famous slogan ‘Jai Jawaan Jai Kissan’ (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer) is popular even today. He took the seat of the Prime Minister when India was in critical condition after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Amul Milk Cooperative’s White Revolution, whose main aim was to promote and supply milk in the country, took place under the aegis of Lal Bahadur Shastri. When there was a food shortage in the country Shastri urged the people to give up one meal a day so that the food saved could be distributed to those utterly deprived in the country. Shastri was also a part of the Salt Revolution which was headed by Mahatma Gandhi.
He is also known for his notable contribution in the 22 day Indo Pak war of 1965 where he led the nation to victory with his unique forthrightness and bravery. It was under his leadership that the Indian Armed Forces penetrated the outskirts of the Lahore City. He motivated the soldiers with the slogan of Jai Jawaan Jai Kissan to and simultaneously cheered the farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains so as to reduce dependence on imports.
His Famous Words
"The Preservation of Freedom is not the task of the soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong.""There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the cross-roads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us there need be no difficulty or hesitation, no looking to right or left. Our way is straight and clear - the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations."
He is known as a ‘simple man with an exemplary lifestyle.’ He died on January 11, 1966. He was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna Award. Much is said about Gandhi and his ideals. Let us not forget that Lal Bahadur Shastri also deserves the same amount of veneration and commemoration as a National Hero.
लाल बहादुर शास्त्री जी के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें