Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Today is the birthday of two of India’s greatest heroes. The first is Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu, and the second is India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. So, on this special day, let’s learn some interesting facts about their lives. Glimpses of Shastriji’s life still inspire millions of Indians. Born on October 2, 1869, Mahatma Gandhi considered “Satyagraha” and “Ahimsa” as the foundations of life. Today, Gandhi Jayanti is not only a national holiday but also an opportunity to embrace and practise his ideals.
Gandhi Jayanti 2025
Cleanliness, simplicity, self-reliance, and patriotism were the central messages of Gandhiji’s life. Gandhiji’s ideas inspired people not only in India but across the world. Shastriji, on the other hand, is an inspiration, setting an example of simplicity, sacrifice, and determination. Shastriji was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai (now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction), Uttar Pradesh, into a humble Brahmin family. At the age of four, he enrolled in the East Central Railway Inter College in Mughalsarai, where Maulvi Budhan Miyan became his first teacher.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti: Shastri’s childhood
At Harishchandra High School in Banaras, under the influence of his teacher, Nishkameshwar Prasad Mishra, he was drawn to the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1921) shook his teenage mind. He also enrolled at Kashi Vidyapeeth, a national institution established against British rule. Here, he graduated with a first-class degree in philosophy and ethics, earning the title of “Shastri.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s contribution to India’s Independence
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s role in the freedom struggle remained unwavering. He joined the Congress party in 1921 and actively participated in Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha (1930). He spent a total of nine years in British prisons, where he enriched his thinking by reading the works of Western philosophers, revolutionaries, and social reformers. After his release, he led numerous movements. A testament to his patriotism was that he never yearned for position or power but considered public service his religion.
Shastri’s Political Journey, Shastri Ji’s Political Journey
After India’s independence in 1947, Lal Bahadur Shastri’s political career progressed rapidly. He first became Parliamentary Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, then Minister of Transport and Finance. As Railway Minister in the Nehru cabinet in 1952, he gave a new direction to Indian Railways. However, after the 1956 train accident that killed 146 passengers, he resigned, taking moral responsibility, a unique example of political integrity. Later, as Home Minister (1961-63) and Commerce Minister, he strengthened administrative reforms.
Anti-Hindi Agitation of 1965, Anti-Hindi Agitation of 1965
The Madras Anti-Hindi Movement of 1965 also posed a major challenge during his tenure. Efforts to make Hindi the national language were met with opposition in South India, but Shastri handled the situation with restraint and emphasized linguistic harmony. His simplicity is replete with stories. As Prime Minister, he cycled to the market, wore a dhoti, and lived a simple life. He once donated all his possessions, which consisted of only a few books and clothes.
When did Shastri become the Prime Minister of India?
Following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru on June 9, 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri became India’s second Prime Minister. His tenure lasted only 19 months, but it was fraught with challenges. War broke out with Pakistan in 1965. Amidst the bravery of soldiers on the borders and the food crisis, Shastri coined the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, which remains relevant today.
This slogan boosted the morale of the army and inspired farmers to become self-reliant. During the war, he laid the foundation for the Green Revolution to increase wheat production while also encouraging milk production. His life epitomized ethics and transparency, even in small tasks. His mysterious death on January 11, 1966, after the Tashkent Agreement, shocked the nation.
Gandhi’s Life Stories: Stories from Gandhi’s life
October 2nd is a special day for India. Mahatma Gandhi was born on this day and played a key role in India’s independence. It is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti and is also known as the International Day of Non-Violence. Gandhi dedicated his life to eradicating discrimination and liberating the country. Some of his inspiring slogans and words still inspire patriotism.
Read More: Today’s Horoscope 02 October 2025: Find out what your today’s horoscope says
