Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Life of Truth in Politics
🔹 Author: C. P. Srivastava
🔹 Publisher: Oxford University Press, Delhi
🔹 Edition: 1996
🔹 Binding: Hardcover
🔹 Pages: 446
🔹 Size: 6.2 × 1 × 9.7 inches
🔹 Language: English
Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Life of Truth in Politics by C. P. Srivastava provides a detailed account of the life and political career of Lal Bahadur Shastri, one of the most significant figures in the political history of modern India. The book examines the development of Shastri’s character and political philosophy while placing his career within the larger historical circumstances of India’s transition from colonial rule to an independent nation.
Born in 1904, Shastri came of age during India’s struggle for independence. His involvement in the national movement exposed him to the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of disciplined public service, simplicity, non-violence, and personal responsibility. These influences remained important throughout his later political career.
The biography follows Shastri’s progression from his early political activities into increasingly important responsibilities within independent India’s government. Unlike leaders associated with grand public personalities, Shastri became known for his modesty, personal discipline, and quiet style of leadership.
As a national political figure, Shastri served in several important government positions before becoming Prime Minister of India in 1964. His relatively short tenure came during a particularly challenging period, when India faced significant economic, agricultural, political, and security pressures.
The book examines Shastri’s approach to leadership and his efforts to respond to the challenges facing the country. His period as Prime Minister included the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, a major event in India’s post-independence history. His leadership during the conflict significantly shaped his public reputation and political legacy.
Shastri is also strongly associated with the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, which emphasized the importance of both India’s armed forces and its farmers. The slogan reflected the simultaneous challenges of national security and food production that confronted the country during his premiership.
An important theme of the biography is the relationship between personal integrity and political leadership. The title itself highlights the author’s emphasis on truth, ethical conduct, and public responsibility. Shastri’s reputation for simplicity and honesty has contributed significantly to his enduring place in Indian political memory.
The book also provides insight into the political environment of post-independence India. Understanding Shastri’s career requires considering the institutions, personalities, challenges, and political traditions that shaped the young Indian republic. His story therefore extends beyond personal biography into the broader history of India’s early decades as an independent nation.
With 446 pages, the work provides considerable space for examining Shastri’s life and political career in detail. It is suitable for readers interested in Indian political history, biographies of national leaders, the independence movement, and the development of India’s post-independence political institutions.
Published by Oxford University Press, Delhi in 1996, this hardcover edition measures 6.2 × 1 × 9.7 inches. It is an important reference and collectible volume for anyone interested in Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indian history, political biography, and modern India.
- Biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri
- Written by C. P. Srivastava
- Published by Oxford University Press, Delhi
- 1996 Edition
- Hardcover binding
- 446 pages
- Size: 6.2 × 1 × 9.7 inches
- Language: English
- Examines Shastri’s early life and political development
- Covers his role in India’s independence movement
- Explores his career in post-independence Indian politics
- Discusses his tenure as Prime Minister of India
- Covers the political circumstances surrounding the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War
- Examines his ideals of simplicity, integrity, and public service
- Useful for students and researchers of modern Indian history
🔹 Collector’s Note
This 1996 Oxford University Press hardcover edition of Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Life of Truth in Politics is an important biographical work for collections focusing on Indian political history, national leaders, and modern India. C. P. Srivastava’s detailed study presents Shastri not only as a political leader but also as a figure associated with personal integrity, humility, and public service. With 446 pages and a substantial hardcover format, it is a valuable reference title for readers, researchers, and collectors of Indian history and political biographies.
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