Jawaharlal Nehru
Who was Jawaharlal Nehru?
India's first Prime Minister who served from 1947 to 1964, establishing the foundations of modern democratic India. A key figure in the independence movement and architect of India's non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Jawaharlal Nehru (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964) was an Indian anti-colonial nationalist, statesman, and author who became the first Prime Minister of independent India. Born in Prayagraj to Motilal Nehru, a prominent lawyer and nationalist, he was educated in England at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge, then trained as a barrister at City Law School. After returning to India, he joined the Allahabad High Court and gradually got involved in national politics, eventually joining the Indian National Congress and leading a progressive group during the 1920s.
A key figure in India's independence movement in the 1930s and 1940s, Nehru worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, who chose him as his political successor. As Congress president in 1929, Nehru called for full independence from British rule. He pushed for secular nationalism during the 1937 provincial elections, helping the Congress win. After the Quit India Resolution in 1942, he was jailed with other senior Congress leaders for his anti-colonial efforts.
When India gained independence in 1947, Nehru became the country's first Prime Minister and held the position for 16 years until his death in 1964. During his time in office, he laid the foundation of modern democratic India, supporting parliamentary democracy, secularism, and scientific growth. In foreign policy, he promoted non-alignment, keeping India out of Cold War alliances. Domestically, he focused on industrialization, economic planning, and social modernization while keeping India united in the challenging early years of independence.
Nehru was also a talented author who wrote several influential books while imprisoned and during his political career. His notable works include 'Letters from a Father to His Daughter' (1929), 'Glimpses of World History,' and 'The Discovery of India,' which have been read worldwide. He received many honors, including the Bharat Ratna in 1955, Bintang Jasa, and an honorary doctorate from Keiō University. Nehru died in New Delhi on 27 May 1964, leaving behind a changed nation and a lasting impact on India's political and social growth.
Before Fame
Jawaharlal Nehru was born into a privileged family as the son of Motilal Nehru, a successful lawyer and a leader in the Indian independence movement. Growing up during British colonial rule, Nehru benefited from his father's wealth and progressive views, which allowed him to get the best education. At 15, he went to study in England, attending Harrow School, Trinity College, Cambridge where he studied natural sciences, and finally pursued legal training in London.
When he returned to India in 1912, Nehru initially had little interest in politics and worked as a lawyer at the Allahabad High Court with moderate success. However, his perspective changed in the early 1920s when he was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and methods. Gradually evolving from a Westernized, somewhat detached lawyer, he became a committed nationalist upon witnessing the injustices of colonial rule and became convinced that India needed complete independence rather than gradual reform.
Key Achievements
- Served as India's first Prime Minister for 17 consecutive years (1947-1964), establishing democratic institutions
- Led the Indian National Congress during crucial independence negotiations and partition of India
- Developed India's non-aligned foreign policy, co-founding the Non-Aligned Movement with other world leaders
- Authored influential books including 'The Discovery of India' and 'Glimpses of World History'
- Established India's industrial base through five-year economic planning and promotion of scientific institutions
Did You Know?
- 01.Nehru was imprisoned nine times by British authorities for a total of over nine years, during which he wrote most of his famous books
- 02.He wore a fresh red rose on his jacket every day, which became his signature style and earned him the nickname 'Pandit Nehru'
- 03.Despite being a vegetarian for most of his life, he occasionally ate meat during his time in England and continued to serve it to guests as Prime Minister
- 04.Nehru's birthday, November 14, is celebrated as Children's Day in India because of his affection for children, who called him 'Chacha Nehru' (Uncle Nehru)
- 05.He was the last Viceroy Lord Mountbatten's close friend despite their political differences, and their families maintained personal relationships even after independence
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat Ratna | 1955 | — |
| Bintang Jasa | — | — |
| doctor honoris causa of Keiō University | — | — |