Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) was a central figure in India’s freedom struggle and the chief architect of the Indian republic after independence. Born in Allahabad to Motilal Nehru, a prominent nationalist leader, he was educated in England and trained as a barrister, an experience that shaped his modern, international outlook. Drawn into politics under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru became a leading voice of the Indian National Congress and emerged as a champion of complete independence, particularly after presiding over the historic Lahore session of 1929. During the struggle against British rule, Nehru spent more than nine years in prison, regarding imprisonment as a natural part of political resistance. He played a key role in mass movements such as civil disobedience and the Quit India Movement, and, despite personal doubts, accepted the partition of India in 1947 as unavoidable. On August 15, 1947, he became independent India’s first prime minister, a position he held for over sixteen years. As prime minister, Nehru sought to build a modern, democratic, and secular India. He emphasized parliamentary democracy, scientific temper, industrialization, and social justice, guiding the country through its early Five-Year Plans. In foreign affairs, he advocated nonalignment, aiming to keep India independent of Cold War power blocs. Despite setbacks such as the 1962 conflict with China, Nehru remained a dominant and influential leader at home and abroad. Nehru’s legacy lies in embedding democratic institutions, secular values, and a modern worldview in India’s political life. Remembered affectionately as “Chacha Nehru,” especially for his love for children, he continues to be identified with the formative years of the Indian nation and its aspiration to balance democracy, unity, and social progress.