Question

What two major challenges did the country face during Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister?

Hint:

Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” symbolized the importance of both soldiers and farmers in nation-building.

Answer 1

Lal Bahadur Shastri served as India’s Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966. During his short tenure, the country faced two major challenges:
1. Food Crisis:
- India faced acute shortage of food grains due to monsoon failures and lack of modern agricultural techniques.
- Shastri promoted the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” to encourage farmers and strengthen agriculture.
2. Indo-Pak War of 1965:
- Pakistan launched military aggression against India in 1965.
- Shastri provided strong leadership, motivating both soldiers and citizens.
- The war ended with the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966.
Conclusion:
Thus, Lal Bahadur Shastri’s tenure was marked by food scarcity and the 1965 Indo-Pak war, both of which he handled with determination and simplicity.