1st Anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri

The inspiring slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” was bestowed upon our nation by the esteemed leader, the late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Last year, on Republic Day, the Jai Jawan stamp was released as a tribute to our armed forces. In honor of Shastriji’s first death anniversary, the Post and Telegraphs Department will release the Jai Kisan stamp on January 11, 1967.

To be a self-respecting and robust nation, India must be self-reliant. Shastriji consistently stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in food production, likening it to an impregnable defense system crucial for safeguarding our hard-earned freedom. He urged farmers to match the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers with their sweat and toil.

Agriculture has been accorded the highest priority in the Fourth Five Year Plan, aiming to increase food grain production by an additional 30 million tonnes by 1970-71, raising annual production to 120 million tonnes. The strategy focuses on high-yielding varieties in the best cultivable areas with assured water supply, aligning with Shastriji’s vision to “grow two grains where one grew before.”

To achieve this goal, efforts have been directed not only towards agriculture but also industry, power, irrigation, transport, and administration, to provide necessary inputs and support to farmers promptly. However, success on the farm front hinges on the diligent and dedicated participation of the farmers themselves.

The new stamp underscores the pivotal role that farmers can play in transforming our rural economy and contributing to the nation’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production.