Shastri Monument

Eurasia.Travel > Uzbekistan > Tashkent > Shastri Monument

Shastri Monument

Shastri Monument in Tashkent
Shastri Monument in Tashkent

In the heart of Tashkent, a monument stands as a testament to a man whose legacy transcends borders, connecting the histories of India and Uzbekistan. For the people of Tashkent, the Shastri Monument is a prominent city landmark, while for Indians, it represents the memory of a leader held in the same esteem as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This monument honors Lal Bahadur Shastri, a figure who played a pivotal role in shaping modern India and left an indelible mark on Tashkent’s history.

Lal Bahadur Shastri, born into a family of civil servants on October 2, 1904, began his education early due to his Kayastha caste background. In a bold move during his school years, he renounced his caste-derived surname «Varma,» signaling his rejection of caste distinctions. His life took a dramatic turn in 1921 when, as a high school student, he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for nonviolent resistance. He left his government school to join the freedom movement and was soon imprisoned, although briefly due to his minor status. That same year, he enrolled in the newly established National Congress University, where he was among the first students. In 1925, he graduated with a degree in philosophy and ethics, earning the title «Shastri,» meaning «scholar,» which became an integral part of his name.

Shastri’s journey as an independence activist led to multiple imprisonments between 1925 and 1946, totaling nine years behind bars. Following India’s independence, he served as the Minister of Police and Transport, making significant contributions to public service. His political ascent culminated in 1964 when he was chosen as Prime Minister following Nehru’s death.

Shastri Monument in Tashkent
Shastri Monument in Tashkent
Shastri Monument in Tashkent
President Ayub Khan, Prime Minister Shastri and Prime Minister Kosygin in Tashkent
Premier Kosygin of the USSR and President Ayub carrying the coffin of Prime Minister Shastri – a day after the Tashkent Agreement was finalized. He passed away on January 11, 1966

As Prime Minister, Shastri sought to avoid drastic reforms, instead focusing on addressing India’s economic challenges and food shortages. He introduced new agricultural technologies and improved conditions for farmers. In a display of solidarity with the nation’s struggle against hunger, he urged citizens to skip one meal a week, a call that was widely embraced, with restaurants and cafes across India closing on Monday evenings. Shastri himself set an example by replacing the lawn at his official residence with wheat crops, laying the groundwork for future agricultural advancements.

The Indo-Pak War of 1965 brought further challenges, but Shastri’s leadership remained steadfast. His rallying cry, «Jai Jawan Jai Kisan» («Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer»), became a unifying slogan for India. Seeking peace, Shastri traveled to Tashkent in January 1966 for negotiations with Pakistan, culminating in the signing of the Tashkent Declaration, which halted the war and initiated trade relations.

Tragically, on the night of the declaration’s signing, Shastri suffered a fatal heart attack. His sudden demise shocked both nations, and his funeral procession in Tashkent was a poignant moment, with his former adversary, President Ayub Khan of Pakistan, among those carrying his coffin.

Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister, though brief, solidified India’s international standing. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. In Delhi, the Vijay Ghat memorial commemorates him, and in Tashkent, a monument created by Uzbek sculptor Yakov Shapiro was unveiled in 1976. The bust, set upon a base of pink granite, has become a pilgrimage site for Indian visitors. The Shastri Indian Cultural Center and a school teaching Hindi in Tashkent further honor his memory.

Visitors seeking the Shastri Monument should note that requesting «Shastri» in a taxi may lead to the crossroads of a former auto station bearing his name. To reach the monument, it is advisable to direct the driver to «C-1, old zoo, Shastri monument.» Additionally, the monument’s vicinity includes a German Church, adding to the area’s cultural significance.