Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India and an influential leader in the Indian independence movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi. He played a pivotal role in establishing India as an independent nation in 1947. Born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad, his father, Motilal Nehru, was a wealthy barrister and a Kashmiri Pandit. In 1916, he married Kamala Nehru.
Jawaharlal Nehru was twice elected as the President of the Indian National Congress during the freedom struggle. His mother, Swarooprani, came from a prominent Kashmiri Brahmin family settled in Lahore. Nehru was the eldest of three children. Fondly called “Chacha Nehru” by Indian children, his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day due to his affection for children.
What was the education of Jawaharlal Nehru?
Nehru received his early education from private tutors at home. At the age of 15, he moved to England, where he spent two years at Harrow and later attended the University of Cambridge, earning a bachelor’s degree in natural science. After returning to India in 1912, he began practicing law. Nehru is regarded as the architect of modern India, laying the foundation for a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
Pandit Nehru Contributions
In 1917, Nehru joined the Home Rule League, marking his entry into politics. His political journey intensified in 1919 when he joined Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement. Nehru served as Congress President six times (Lahore 1929, Lucknow 1936, Faizpur 1937, Delhi 1951, Hyderabad 1953, and Kalyani 1954).
During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Nehru was arrested on 9 August 1942 in Bombay and imprisoned in Ahmednagar Jail until 15 June 1945. As a statesman, Nehru championed the principle of Panchsheel and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He also led the movement of non-aligned nations during the Cold War.
First Prime minister of India
In 1947, Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India. He faced challenges such as reorganizing 500 native princely states and laid the groundwork for modern India. Nehru established the Planning Commission, promoted science and technology, and launched three successive five-year plans, leading to significant progress in agriculture and industry.
Published Books
Nehru was a prolific writer, known for his deep intellect and passion for self-study. Despite his political commitments, he found time to write and study. Some of his notable works include:
- Letters from a Father to His Daughter (1929)
- Glimpses of World History (1933)
- An Autobiography (1936)
- The Discovery of India (1945)
Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister was not without challenges. Relations with Pakistan and China remained strained. Despite extending a hand of friendship to China, the 1962 Sino-Indian War was a significant setback. Nehru passed away on 27 May 1964 after suffering a heart attack.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision and contributions continue to shape India, making him one of the most remarkable leaders in Indian history.
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