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Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964), often called Pandit Nehru, was an Indian freedom fighter, the first Prime Minister of independent India, and a central figure in Indian politics for decades. A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, he was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.[1]
| File:Jawaharlal Nehru 1947.jpg | |
| Nehru in 1947 | |
| Born | 14 November 1889 (age 135) Allahabad, North-Western Provinces, British India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Politician, Writer, Freedom Fighter |
| Years active | 1912–1964 |
| Known for | First Prime Minister of India, Architect of Modern India |
| Notable works | Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, Letters from a Father to His Daughter, Tryst with Destiny |
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (1955) |
| Spouse(s) | Kamala Nehru |
| Children | Indira Gandhi |
| Parents | |
| Religion | |
| Website | Nehru Memorial Official Portal |
Early Life and Education
Nehru was born into a wealthy Kashmiri Brahmin family in Allahabad. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent lawyer and Congress leader. Nehru was educated at Harrow and Eton in England, and later studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Inner Temple in London.[2]
Role in Indian Independence Movement
Inspired by Gandhi’s ideology of non-violence and civil disobedience, Nehru joined the Indian National Congress and soon became one of its most prominent leaders. He participated in:
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920s)
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- Quit India Movement (1942)
He was imprisoned multiple times by the British for his activism.
Prime Minister of India
After independence in 1947, Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India and served until his death in 1964. He laid the foundation for:
- A parliamentary democracy
- Industrial and scientific advancement
- Secular and socialist policies
- Establishment of IITs, AIIMS, and scientific research institutions
Foreign Policy
Nehru championed the policy of Non-Alignment during the Cold War and was a founding leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He also advocated for peace and cooperation among newly independent nations.
Notable Works
- Discovery of India – A historical and philosophical work written during his imprisonment.
- Glimpses of World History – Letters to his daughter Indira, explaining world history.
- Letters from a Father to His Daughter – A collection of educational letters written to a young Indira Gandhi.
- Tryst with Destiny – His iconic speech delivered on 15 August 1947.
Legacy
- Fondly known as Chacha Nehru, especially among children.
- His birthday, 14 November, is celebrated as Children's Day in India.
- Remembered for laying the foundation of modern India’s institutions and democratic values.
Awards and Honors
- Bharat Ratna – India’s highest civilian award, awarded in 1955.
- Numerous institutions, parks, and roads across India are named after him.
Death
Jawaharlal Nehru passed away on 27 May 1964 due to a heart attack. He was cremated at Shantivan in New Delhi.