This book carries anecdotes encapsulating Lal Bahadur’s childhood, growing up years and political life. Each anecdote is poignantly narrated by his son Anil Shastri. And, brilliantly interpreted by Pavan Choudary. The reader will take home unique and valuable insights. It is Lal Bahadur Shastri like never before.
The book highlights the rich values and principles of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, which is presented in three sections – values to inspire us at an individual level, interpersonal level and societal level. These anecdotes and recollections are thought provoking and capture the reader’s interest instantly with simply written prose highlighting his virtues of simplicity, integrity, tenacity, wisdom and leadership. His exemplary leadership helped the nation surmount challenges such as the acute food shortage, social unrest and hostile neighbours. His strategic guidance in winning the 1965 war against Pakistan was a note worthy milestone in state craft.
The book talks about several inspiring happenings from his life which bear moral lessons which may motivate the readers to aspire to be well rounded personalities and honest leaders. It makes for an interesting read with creative illustrations and is the outcome of extensive research on Shashtriji’s life.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Values to Inspire us at an Individual Level
1 Gardener’s Advice
2 Toiling at School
3 Mango Vendor
4 Vegetarianism
5 ‘No’ to Borrowing Money
6 Keeping Promises
7 Living within Means
8 Courage v/s Tradition
9 Putting others before Self
10 Organizational Skills
11 Sartorial Simplicity
12 Self-Help Training
13 Pocket Money
14 Time Management
15 Punctuality
16 Patience Pays
17 Non-Attention Seeking Personality
18 Simple Living, High Thinking
19 After Nehru, Who?
20 Family Man
21 Message in a Car
22 Devious Driving Licence
23 Indian Values
24 My Grandmother
25 3rd January
Values to Enhance our Interpersonal Relationships
26 Strong Work Ethic
27 Crisis Management
28 Purushotham Das Tandon and Pandit Nehru
29 Man Management
30 The Great Motivator
31 Chamber of Commerce
32 Tea Party
33 Trusting those Below the Radar
34 Raising Delicate Issues Unabashedly
35 Coalition Politics
36 Two Deputy Leaders
37 Touching Elders’ Feet
38 Mediation in Uttar Pradesh (UP)
39 Keep Enemies Closer
40 Empathy Towards Subordinates
41 Chairing a Meeting of the Congress Parliamentar y Party (CPP)
42 Aap Saath Chalna Pasand Karenge?
43 Pratap Singh Kairon
44 Morarji Opts Out of Shastri’s Cabinet
45 T.T. Krishnamachari
46 Relations with Indira Gandhi
47 The Witty Shastri
48 Affable Personality
49 Saying ‘No’ Elegantly
50 Never Pulling Ranks
51 Interacting with Girls
Values Vital for a Healthy Society
52 Caste Connotations
53 Family v/s Country
54 Dreams of Serving the Nation
55 Regard for Sincere and Committed Employees
56 Against Untouchability
57 Handling Unresponsive Officials
58 Accessible to All People
59 General Elections
60 Praying to God in 30 Seconds
61 Akali Agitation – Fast unto Death
62 Kashmir Issue
63 Prisoner of Indecision
64 War against Pakistan
65 Standing Tall
66 A Credible Leader
67 Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
68 War Heroes 147
69 True Hospitality 149
70 Shastriji’s visit to Amul, Anand 151
71 Super Communist 153
72 A Touching Tribute 155
73 Select Bibliography 157