Gandhi and Shastri :A tale of two leaders

Today as the nation celebrates anniversary of SWACCH BHARAT MISSION on the auspicious occasion of 2nd october ,we are here to discuss the legacy of two greatest leaders of their times.While one leader was famous for his particular policy of Ahimsa and fighting the Imperialist  forces in his own way,the other leader led the nation through the freedom struggle and moreover made us proud when we were able to defeat  Pakistan in 1965.

Yeah ,you guessed it rightly.I am talking about Shri M K Gandhi and Shri Lal bahadur shastri.

In his first broadcast as Prime Minister, on 11 June 1964, Shastri stated:

"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."

A true Nehruvian socialist and a loyalist of Indian National Congress,Shastri was very clear about how to lead the nation and winning over the challenging circumstances.During the 1965 war when the nation was starving of food and we were caught in a do or die situation,it was  Shastriji who inspired the masses with  his famous slogan "jay jawan,jay kisan (hail the farmers and hail the soldiers).    

Shastriji asked the people to fast once in week and donate the saved food for the soldiers.His unique appeal worked and we were able to tackle the situation.

Shastri ji  addresssing to soldiers

Shastri was a man who wanted to continue with  the development model of NEHRU,with some reforms.While working as the TRANSPORT MINISTER ,he appointed lady conductors in buses.

Also during his regime as Police minister ,he directed them to use water cannons instead of lathicharge.

Shastriji truly represented the poors.He himself was a member of PEOPLE'S SERVANT SOCIETY.So he was away from all the material desires because of the sacred oath of the club .He was a kind of person who could go for a foreign tour with a torn piece of cloth but  represent his nation with all his strength.

But all his reforms and initiatives came to a natural end ,because of his mysterious death in Tashkent.

Many conspiracy theories suggest that he was poisoned or his death was not natural.

So today we remember this great leader  with great enthusiasm and reverence for his sacrifice for the nation.

Mahatma Gandhi on the other  hand was a follower of Ahimsa,so he condemned use of force and brutality against the colonial rulers.In his views ,every conflict could be solved by non violent methods.Other than non violent he invented unique ways to show disagreement with the  rulers in the form of CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE. Gandhi had a  unparallel appeal in pre-independence India  and people left their government jobs,students boycotted colleges on his single call for movement.

Gandhi was highborn and could have lead a life of joy and happiness.after completing his law studies he went to Africa, just to become a crusader.Just when he was at the zenith of his carrier in South Africa,he left for india to the the freedom struggle.Once he joined INC,he rose to top position of President ,because of his leading and management skills.
Gandhi's reputation increased worldwide and some most prominent persons of his era praised upon him.Albert Einstein while praising Gandhi ,said:
. "Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth."
That was the reputation Gandhi enjoyed.Even the leaders of present era seek inspiration  from Gandhian philosophy.
Sometimes people re killed because of their way of living,and Gandhi was not an exception.Gandhi was killed by a so called "nationalist" Nathuram Godse  ,while he coming out from the prayer hall after offering his morning prayer.
The whole nation cried on his death.The crowded roads of Delhi on his funeral procession proved that how popular he was among the masses.

funeral procession of Gandhi

Both the leaders were visionary and they showed that we should not backout from our position,after sacrificing our lives for the nation.So let us pledge today that we will serve this nation till our last breath and fight tooth and nail against the problems that are posed against our country 

JAI HIND,JAI BHARAT