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Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India, is remembered for his simple yet effective leadership. His tenure during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the subsequent food crisis saw him lay the foundation for India’s defence and agricultural policies. He coined the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, symbolising the equal importance of soldiers and farmers in nation-building.

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Role of Lal Bahadur Shastri in Shaping India’s Defence and Agricultural Policies

• Strengthening Defence Infrastructure: Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War was critical in boosting India’s defence capabilities. He worked towards building a robust military infrastructure and focused on modernising defence systems.
• Promoting the Green Revolution: Shastri’s emphasis on agricultural reform led to the Green Revolution, which dramatically increased food production in India, reducing dependence on food imports.
• Establishing the National Defence Fund: Shastri initiated the creation of the National Defence Fund to strengthen India’s military preparedness and address immediate defence needs.
  For example: The fund was instrumental during the 1965 war, helping to mobilise resources quickly for defence expenditures.
• Focus on Agricultural Research: Shastri encouraged investment in agricultural research to develop better farming techniques and increase crop yield.
  For example: Establishments like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) benefited from this focus, aiding long-term agricultural growth.
• Encouraging Self-Sufficiency in Food Production: Facing food shortages, Shastri advocated for self-sufficiency in food production, urging citizens to adopt austerity measures and promote local produce.
  For example: His famous “fast for a day” campaign encouraged Indians to skip one meal a week to support the nation’s food self-reliance.

Contributions in Defence and Agricultural Areas Helped Strengthen India’s National Security

• Enhancing Military Capability: Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War helped enhance India’s military strength and preparedness. His commitment to defence led to stronger border security and a more resilient army.
• Boosting Food Security: Shastri’s agricultural reforms through the Green Revolution increased India’s food production, helping the nation overcome chronic food shortages and ensuring stability in times of crisis.
  For example: The increase in wheat production in Punjab and Haryana regions under the Green Revolution made India more secure in food supplies.
• Strengthening Internal Security: By bolstering food production, Shastri reduced the country’s dependency on foreign aid, thereby enhancing internal security and resilience against external pressures.
  For example: India’s ability to produce enough food post-1965 reduced its reliance on PL 480 food imports from the USA.
• Enhancing Border Defence: Shastri’s focus on strengthening India’s borders after the Indo-China conflict of 1962 played a crucial role in national security, ensuring preparedness for future conflicts.
• Uniting National Efforts for Defence and Agriculture: Shastri’s iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” unified the country’s efforts towards ensuring both military security and food self-sufficiency, showing how both sectors were interconnected for national stability.

Contributions in Defence and Agricultural Areas Helped Strengthen India’s Self-Reliance

• Promoting Self-Reliance in Agriculture: Shastri’s agricultural policies, particularly the Green Revolution, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production and reducing dependency on foreign aid.
  For instance: The transformation of Punjab into India’s wheat granary made India largely self-reliant in wheat production.
• Development of Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Shastri’s tenure saw an emphasis on indigenous defence production, reducing reliance on foreign military imports. He promoted the establishment of defence factories to ensure military self-reliance.
  For example: Expansion of defence production units like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) helped modernise India’s military hardware.
• Austerity and National Responsibility: Shastri promoted a culture of austerity and responsibility among Indians to support the nation’s self-reliance efforts. His famous call for fasting once a week during food shortages exemplified this.
  For example: Shastri’s personal austerity inspired millions to conserve food and support the country’s efforts towards self-sufficiency.
• Encouraging Scientific Research in Agriculture: Shastri laid the groundwork for extensive scientific research in agriculture, which contributed to long-term agricultural sustainability and self-reliance.
• Indigenous Development of Military Equipment: Shastri’s emphasis on indigenous development of military equipment allowed India to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers, fostering national security and self-reliance.

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Lal Bahadur Shastri’s contributions to India’s defence and agricultural sectors played a crucial role in enhancing the country’s national security and self-reliance. His leadership during the Indo-Pak war and the Green Revolution laid the foundation for a self-sufficient India, where military preparedness and agricultural development became pillars of national strength. His legacy continues to shape India’s policies in these key areas today.

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