Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru

Introduction to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru

Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, born on November 14, 1889, was India's first Prime Minister. His birth anniversary is celebrated annually as Children's Day (Bal Diwas), reflecting his deep affection for children, who lovingly called him Chacha Nehru.

Nehru's life was marked by significant contributions both during India's struggle for independence and in shaping the newly independent nation.

Pre-Independence Era Contributions (1889-1947)

Nehru's political journey began early, demonstrating a strong commitment to India's freedom struggle. He actively participated in various movements and held crucial positions within the Indian National Congress.

• 1912: Entered politics as a delegate at the 27th Congress session at Bankipore.
• 1919: Became Home Rule League Secretary, advocating for self-rule.
• 1920: Organized the first Kisan March in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting agrarian issues.
• 1920-22: Imprisoned twice during the Non-Cooperation Movement, a testament to his active involvement.

His vision for complete independence was clear and unwavering, pushing the Congress towards more assertive demands.

• 1926: Committed the Congress to the goal of independence at the Madras Congress.
• 1928: Faced a lathi-charge while leading a procession against the Simon Commission in Lucknow, showcasing his defiance against British authority.
• 1928: Played a crucial role in the Nehru Report (drafted by his father, Motilal Nehru), a proposal for constitutional reforms.
• 1928: Established the Independence for India League to advocate for full independence.
• 1929: Elected President of the Lahore Congress, where the Congress officially adopted Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal.
• 1942: Moved the historic Quit India Resolution at the AICC session in Bombay, demanding immediate British withdrawal.

Achievements as India's First Prime Minister (1947-1964)

As the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundational principles for a modern, democratic, and self-reliant nation. His tenure from 1947 to 1964 was pivotal in shaping India's domestic and foreign policies.

Vision for Modern India

Nehru envisioned India as a progressive nation built on democratic values, secularism, and scientific advancement. He tirelessly worked towards establishing a robust framework for its future growth.

Social Reforms: The Hindu Code Bill

A significant aspect of Nehru's reformist agenda was the modernization of personal laws to ensure equality and justice, particularly for women.

• The Hindu Code Bill aimed to replace traditional religious laws with a secular civil code.
• It sought to outlaw polygamy, grant women property and divorce rights, amend inheritance laws, and introduce provisions for inter-caste marriage.

Tribal Panchsheel

Nehru's approach to tribal development was marked by respect for indigenous cultures and a focus on self-determination, encapsulated in the Tribal Panchsheel.

Economic Development and Institutions

Nehru understood that robust institutions and planned economic growth were crucial for India's self-sufficiency and progress.

• Established premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Championed industrialization through Five-Year Plans, aiming for self-sufficiency and economic growth.
• Promoted a scientific temperament to combat religious obscurantism and superstition, continuing the legacy of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Institutionalization of Democracy

Nehru's intellectual contributions significantly shaped the philosophical underpinnings of India's Constitution.

Foreign Policy of Non-Alignment

In a world divided by the Cold War, Nehru carved out a unique path for India through its non-alignment policy, advocating for global peace and cooperation.

• India's non-alignment policy aimed to maintain neutrality during the Cold War.
• He was pivotal in forming the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), promoting global peace and cooperation.
• Key conferences for NAM were Bandung (1955) and Belgrade (1961).

Panchsheel Principle

The Panchsheel Principles, or Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, were partly formulated by India and China in the 1950s, forming the bedrock of India's foreign policy.