Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of India.
### Jawaharlal Nehru: A Comprehensive Biography
**Early Life and Education**
Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, British India, into a prominent and wealthy family. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a successful barrister and an active participant in the Indian independence movement, while his mother, Swaruprani Thussu, came from a well-known Kashmiri Brahmin family.
Nehru was educated in England, first at Harrow, a prestigious boarding school, and then at Trinity College, Cambridge. He later studied law at the Inner Temple in London. During his time in England, Nehru developed a strong interest in politics and was influenced by Fabian socialism and Irish nationalism.
**Return to India and Early Political Career**
After completing his education, Nehru returned to India in 1912 and enrolled as an advocate of the Allahabad High Court. However, he was increasingly drawn to the struggle for India’s independence. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
Nehru was deeply influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience. He participated actively in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and was arrested several times for his involvement in anti-British activities. Over time, Nehru emerged as a prominent leader within the Congress party, advocating for complete independence from British rule.
**Key Roles and Movements**
1. **Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):**
- Nehru played a crucial role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, which sought to defy British laws through non-violent means. He was imprisoned several times for his participation.
2. **President of Indian National Congress:**
- Nehru was elected President of the Indian National Congress multiple times, beginning in 1929. Under his leadership, the Congress adopted the goal of complete independence (Purna Swaraj) from British rule.
3. **Quit India Movement (1942):**
- Nehru was a key leader in the Quit India Movement, which demanded an end to British rule in India. He was arrested along with other Congress leaders and spent several years in prison.
**Independence and Prime Ministership**
India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India, a position he held until his death in 1964. As Prime Minister, Nehru laid the foundation for a modern, democratic, and secular India. He was a visionary leader who aimed to transform India into a progressive nation through a mix of democratic socialism, secularism, and scientific temper.
**Key Contributions and Policies**
1. **Economic and Industrial Development:**
- Nehru implemented policies aimed at industrialization and economic self-sufficiency. He established numerous public sector enterprises and focused on heavy industries, believing in a mixed economy where both the public and private sectors played significant roles.
2. **Education and Science:**
- Nehru emphasized the importance of education and scientific research. He established institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs).
3. **Foreign Policy:**
- Nehru was a proponent of non-alignment, refusing to align India with either the Western or Eastern blocs during the Cold War. He played a crucial role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement.
4. **Social Reforms:**
- Nehru worked towards abolishing social inequalities and improving the status of women and marginalized communities. He introduced various reforms aimed at removing caste discrimination and promoting social justice.
**Personal Life**
Nehru was married to Kamala Kaul Nehru in 1916, and they had one daughter, Indira Priyadarshini Nehru, who later became Prime Minister of India. Nehru was known for his charismatic personality, eloquence, and deep love for children, which earned him the affectionate title of "Chacha Nehru."
**Death and Legacy**
Jawaharlal Nehru passed away on May 27, 1964, due to a heart attack. His death was a significant loss for the nation, which mourned the passing of one of its most beloved leaders.
Nehru's legacy is profound. He is remembered as the architect of modern India, a leader who championed democracy, secularism, and scientific progress. His vision and policies laid the groundwork for India’s growth as a sovereign, socialist, and secular republic. His contributions continue to influence India’s political, economic, and social landscape.
**Conclusion**
Jawaharlal Nehru’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to India's freedom, development, and modernization. His leadership and vision helped shape the nation during its formative years, and his legacy endures in the principles and institutions he established. Nehru remains a towering figure in Indian history, celebrated for his dedication to building a progressive and inclusive India.
