Modern India

In 1965, India was attacked by Pakistan. At the same time, there was a scarcity of food grains in the country. The then Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to enthuse the soldiers to defend India and simultaneously cheered farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains to reduce dependence on import.

Evolution Of The Slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”

1. In the early 1960s, India suffered some major setbacks. It underwent severe droughts. Also, it had to be involved in forced wars with China and Pakistan.
2. Food buffer stock had depleted to dangerous levels. The US also stopped its food aid.
3. The wars had drained the scarce resources it had.
4. Economy got stagnated due to poor industrial production and problematic balance of payment.
5. The repercussions were threatening to the survival of India as a nation.

Significance Of The Slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”

1. Steps taken under this slogan brought new dynamics to India.
2. The Green Revolution was one major outcome that removed Indian dependency on others for its food.
3. It helped it recover its reputation at domestic and international fronts. India had suffered a moral breakdown at both fronts for the losses in the Indo-China war in 1962.
4. Self-sufficiency in food helped India to focus on other sectors of the economy.
5. In addition to improved defence status, it helped India to build up independent diplomacy worldwide.

Goals Not Yet Achieved

1. Though India became one of the largest food grain producers, it is also a bitter truth that India is home to one of the largest hungry populations in the world.
2. Farmers’ issues are one of the most neglected sectors, ineffective policymaking. Agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides are a persistent problem.
3. Grievances of soldiers are not sufficiently addressed. Food quality, necessary equipment and other aspects are neglected.
4. It is estimated that the number of soldiers dying due to harsh weather conditions is more than the number of soldiers dying in the border battles.

Steps Taken By Government

1. Recently reforms were done concerning armed forces, especially in areas of grievance redressal.
2. Recently, parliament passed the bills leading to sweeping reforms in the agriculture market to give more freedom and choice to farmers.
3. PM Fasal Bima and PM Kisan are some of the steps taken to support farmers.
4. The recent initiative of One Nation One Ration card is also a big step ahead in eliminating hunger.
5. Existing POSHAN Abhiyan, Mid Day meal schemes, schemes related to women and children’s health and nutrition are also being made more efficient.

In terms of the quantity of material achievements, India successfully realised the dreams seen under the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. But stark realities of farmers and soldiers ask us to reconsider the efficiency of our policies and approach. Farmers and soldiers both are working to keep India safe and sound, therefore India should not let them unsafe and shattered.