Office of the Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri Period

Lal Bahadur Shastri rose to the pinnacle of power as India’s prime minister and achieved phenomenal success in national and world affairs entirely on the strength of his personal qualities. As an individual, Shastri had the moral and ethical attributes of a Mahatma, a great soul. In his personal and professional relations, he was humble, considerate, self-respecting, dignified, benevolent, unselfish, cultured, unhurried and soft-spoken. As head of government and leader of his country, he was wise, farseeing, firm of purpose and resolve with an indomitable will. He was pragmatic and down to earth, dedicated to the welfare of the common man, and a person of impeccable integrity whom power could not corrupt. As an Indian he was deeply patriotic, having dedicated his life from the early age of sixteen to the service of his county. He was profoundly committed to secularism and to welding the people of his county into a united nation. When he died, he left behind no money, no house and no land. He did leave behind an example which will continue to inspire, fortify and encourage all those who believe that the only foundation for a good life is a dedication to truth and honesty.