Bihar: Bihar observed the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri with an official ceremony at Shastrinagar Park, where dignitaries pledged to strengthen national unity drawing inspiration from his life.
Official Commemoration
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led the state-level celebration by garlanding Shastri’s statue at Shastrinagar Park. The ceremony was conducted with enthusiasm, honoring the legacy of India’s second Prime Minister.
Distinguished Attendees
The event witnessed participation from prominent officials and political figures. Legislative Council members Rajendra Prasad Gupta and Kumud Verma attended alongside Development Commissioner Dr. S. Siddharth, Chief Minister’s Secretary Kumar Ravi, Patna Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan S.M., and Inspector General of Police (Patna Zone) Jitendra Rana.
Bihar State Citizens Council General Secretary Arvind Kumar Singh joined numerous social and political workers in paying floral tributes at the life-size statue of the former Prime Minister.
Cultural Program in Bihar
The Information and Public Relations Department organized cultural performances featuring devotional songs (aarti-pujan), Bihar state songs, and patriotic compositions, adding a cultural dimension to the commemorative event.
About Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Legacy
Lal Bahadur Shastri, who served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966, is remembered for his leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War and for coining the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer).
He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
National Unity Pledge
Participants at the ceremony took a collective pledge to strengthen national unity, drawing inspiration from Shastri’s principles of simplicity, integrity, and dedication to public service. His life continues to serve as a guiding example for governance and national leadership.
The October 2 commemoration coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, making it a significant day in India’s national calendar for remembering leaders who shaped the country’s post-independence trajectory. The ceremony reflected Bihar’s commitment to honoring historical figures who contributed to nation-building through their exemplary service and leadership.
