The Great Conciliator A Book On Lal Bahadur Shastri

Sanjeev Chopra’s latest book, The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India, offers a comprehensive look at India’s second Prime Minister, a leader often overshadowed in history books. Chopra, a historian and former IAS officer, explores Shastri’s political, social, and administrative journey, from his early life in Mughalsarai to his nation-building initiatives, including the formation of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”

Key Highlights of the Book

Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Overlooked Legacy

• Despite a four-decade-long political career, history has not given Shastri the recognition he deserves.
• He played a pivotal role in stabilizing India post-Nehru and strengthening the country’s administrative framework.
• Unlike assertive leaders, he believed in listening, consensus-building, and finding middle ground.

Shastri’s Upbringing and Its Influence

• Born into a middle-class Kayastha household in Mughalsarai (now Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar).
• Raised in an environment that valued education, discipline, and service, shaping his political and administrative values.
• Studied at Kashi Vidyapith, an institution that played a crucial role in his ideological and leadership development.

Shastri’s Leadership Style: A True Conciliator

• Known for his ability to listen and accommodate different perspectives.
• Successfully resolved the language dispute in South India, where he considered people’s concerns before making policy decisions.
• Balanced both political acumen and administrative efficiency, ensuring stability in governance.

Major Contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri

• Formation of the Border Security Force (BSF)
• The Rann of Kutch incident highlighted the need for a centralized border security force.
• Until then, state police forces managed border security, leading to inefficiencies.
• Shastri convinced states to hand over border control to a unified force, leading to the creation of BSF.

Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan Slogan

• Coined during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and food crises in India.
• Recognized that both farmers and soldiers were the backbone of the nation.
• The slogan inspired agricultural growth and national unity.

Why Shastri Remains an Underrated Leader

• Did not impose his ideas forcefully like other leaders.
• Preferred consensus over confrontation, which led to less recognition in political narratives.
• Unlike Nehru or Indira Gandhi, he maintained a simple, grounded personality, avoiding flamboyant politics.

Relevance of Shastri’s Leadership Today

• India needs more leaders with his integrity, listening ability, and problem-solving approach.
• His pragmatic decision-making is still a guiding principle for effective governance.