New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his birth anniversary.
He was joined by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
In a post on X, PM Modi hailed Shastri as an “extraordinary statesman,” lauding his integrity, humility, and determination. “Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji was an extraordinary statesman whose integrity, humility and determination strengthened India during challenging times. He embodied exemplary leadership, strength, and decisive action,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Recalling Shastri’s iconic slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, Modi said it continues to inspire India’s pursuit of self-reliance. “His clarion call ignited a spirit of patriotism among our people. He continues to motivate us in building a strong and self-reliant India,” he added.
Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Shastri served as India’s second Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966. He passed away in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, Shastri was regarded as a visionary leader who connected with the masses and steered India toward progress.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on his 156th birth anniversary. He was accompanied by Union Minister Manohar Lal during the ceremony.
In a separate tribute on X, Modi recalled Gandhi’s courage, simplicity, and values of service and compassion. “Gandhi Jayanti is about honouring the extraordinary life of Bapu, whose ideals transformed human history. He showed how courage and simplicity could drive great change and believed service and compassion were key to empowering people. We will continue to follow his path in our quest for a Viksit Bharat,” he wrote.
Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation, played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement and remains a global symbol of peace and non-violence.
