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The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh released the Commemorative coins on the birth centenary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, today. The coins are of Rs. 100 and Rs. 5 denomination. The 5 rupee coin will be in circulation. *Speaking at the concluding function of the centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister said that Shastriji’s contribution to the nation and his ideals need to be conveyed to the youth. Recalling the former Prime Minister’s role in the development of agriculture, Dr. Singh called for introspection to see whether we are following the footsteps of this great leader.
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy in his address said that Shastriji represented a blend of both Gandhiji and Pt. Nehru. The Minister said that many programmes were taken up during the year long centenary celebrations, which included bringing out several publications, exhibitions, a docu-drama on the life of Shastriji, opening of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and a library. Shri Reddy said that the programmes taken up as part of centenary celebrations will be continued and completed, irrespective of financial constraints.
The former Prime Minister Shri I.K. Gujral, Union Ministers Shri P. Chidambaram and Shri Shiv Raj Patil, Shri Anil Shastri and Shri Sunil Shastri - sons of the late Prime Minister, were also present on the occasion.
RS/GK
* Full text of Prime Minister’s speech is available on PIB website i.e. pib.nic.in
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