In an alternative universe where Indian leaders are still around to celebrate their birthdays, something truly unique happened. Amidst the national celebration of Gandhi's 154th birthday, there was another party unfolding that shone amidst the simplicity and austerity. On October 2nd, Lal Bahadur Shastri's virtual 119th birthday bash was oozing with 'nimbu pani' cheer and an uncompromising eye towards the future. Lal Bahadur Shastri, fondly known as the 'Gentle Lion', was always rumoured to have enjoyed his share of tartness. Hence, the virtual party had an unlimited supply of 'nimbu pani,' garnished with issues related to Indian Agriculture and digitization of the country. Our source reveals, he's always been a fan of this simple lemonade because "it keeps you real." As word of Shastri's virtual birthday bash zoomed around the internet, the guest list read like a who's who of thinkers, environmentalists, and techies. However, you'd never have guessed who the DJ was—none other than the millennial idol Elon Musk. Shastri, always the futurologist, thought Musk, with his futuristic tech vision, would be the best man to bring in the beats. The indomitable Shastri embodied Gandhian simplicity in his life. Hence, the party reflected this humble trajectory without losing its 21st-century panache. The digitised attire code? Dress as if you're going to meet your future AI self. In a world obsessed with the shortcomings of historical figures, Shastri stood apart. He was a man who recognized the limitations of utopian ideas and was pragmatically geared towards making the future better. He was clear that humans had a knack for screwing things up and that we should probably stop doing that if we want the Earth around. Economically frugal yet intellectually rich, Shastri's party was different from your garden-variety soirée. It was a hotbed of idea exchange and constructive discussions, with a lighthearted tone. As Prime Minister, Shastri was responsible for instigating the Green Revolution. In his honor, guests were served sustainable appetizers designed by celebrity vegan chef, Hema Trivedi. Though not as globally famous as his mentor, Shastri was no less a force of goodness. His birthday celebration was a daunting reminder of the man's values and how far we've strayed from them. While the masses paid tribute to Gandhi's legacy, Shastri's birthday offered an opportunity to champion the unsung hero, unfailingly practical and committed to progress. Seated on his designated virtual platform, he raised his overflowing glass of nimbu pani, a toast to a future he might not see, but knew we must strive for. Happy birthday, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the man who managed to combine simplicity with futuristic panache!