Of simplicity and stature
Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second Prime Minister, was known for his simplicity, humility, and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values. A small yet powerful incident during his 1966 visit to Uzbekistan, exemplified these qualities in an unforgettable way.
Shastri was on a trip to Tashkent to negotiate peace with Pakistani President General Ayub Khan, following the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Tashkent in January, however, was bitterly cold and Shastri had as usual only packed his khadi woollen coat.
Shastri: the 'Super Communist'
PM Shastri’s attire got his counterpart, Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin concerned. Realizing the khadi coat wouldn’t shield against the Central Asian winter, he decided to present Shastri with a warm Russian overcoat but didn’t want to offend his guest’s simplicity.
At a formal function, Kosygin gifted the coat to Shastri, hoping he’d wear it the next day. However, to his surprise, Shastri still showed up in his khadi coat. Curious, Kosygin gently asked if the Indian leader had not liked his gift.
Shastri agreed and said, “It is really warm and very comfortable for me. However, I lent it to one of my staff members who was not carrying a good woollen coat for this severe winter. I will surely use your gift during my future trips to cold countries.”
Kosygin was stunned at Shastri’s humility and grace. During a cultural programme honouring both Shastri and Ayub Khan, he recounted the story and remarked in admiration, “We are Communists, but Prime Minister Shastri is a super Communist.”
This anecdote, shared by Shastri’s son Anil Shastri in the book ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership’, highlights the legendary leader’s quiet strength and selflessness.
The unusual yet heartfelt exchange of coats between Shastri and Kosygin revealed the more humane side of diplomacy. It wasn’t just a gesture of warmth; it symbolized the quiet empathy of Shastri.
Image credits:
https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2017/Oct/02/lal-bahadur-shastri-the-prime-minister-who-took-khadi-cloth-and-a-spinning-wheel-for-dowry-100860.html.
https://www.amazon.in/Leadership-Lesson-Lal-Bahadur-Shastri/dp/9380710364.
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