India celebrates Children’s Day on 14th November to commemorate the 133rd birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 2022. World Children’s Day, on the other hand, is celebrated on 20th November each year.
About Jawaharlal Nehru
Born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Jawaharlal Nehru was the son of Motilal Nehru, a lawyer and two-time President of the Indian National Congress, and Swarup Rani. Nehru rose to prominence as an author, politician, social activist, and lawyer, becoming a key figure in the Indian national movement against British rule.
Education
Nehru received his education at home from English governesses and tutors until age 16. In 1905, he attended Harrow, a prestigious English school, for two years. He subsequently spent three years at Trinity College in Cambridge, earning a degree in natural science. He then qualified as a barrister from the Inner Temple, London.
Political Career: Early Years
Returning to India in 1912, Nehru immediately entered politics. He participated in the Bankipore Congress as a delegate in 1912, and in 1916, he joined Annie Besant’s Home Rule League. By 1919, he had become Secretary of the Home Rule League.
Nehru and the Independence Movement
With the onset of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, Nehru interacted with Mahatma Gandhi, joining the national independence movement. Apprehended on suspicion of anti-government activities in 1921, he later became General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee in 1923. During a protest against the Simon Commission in 1928, Nehru was lathi-charged.
Nehru’s Leadership Rise
Elected as president of the Lahore Session of Indian National Congress in 1929, Nehru advocated complete independence for India. In 1931, a resolution he drafted titled Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy, outlining the Congress party’s main goals and the nation’s future, was ratified during the Karachi Session presided over by Saradar Vallabhai Patel.
Nehru’s Role in Major Movements
Nehru participated in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha, leading to his imprisonment. His closeness with Mahatma Gandhi grew, and he presided over the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1936. During World War II, Nehru organized an individual satyagraha, protesting against India’s forced participation in the war which led to his arrest.
The Final Push for Independence
In 1942, Nehru launched the historic ‘Quit India’ movement at the All-India Congress Committee session. Later that year, Nehru along with other leaders was arrested and taken to Ahmednagar Fort. On release in 1945, he arranged legal defence for officers and troops of the Indian National Army (INA) accused of disloyalty. He served as the president of Indian National Congress for the fourth time in 1946 and led an interim government as Prime Minister following the recommendations of the Cabinet Mission.
Nehru as India’s First Prime Minister
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, but also endured the pain of partition. As the first Prime Minister of India, Nehru believed princely states must join the constituent assembly, asserting there would be no princely states in an independent India. He entrusted Vallabhbai Patel with the task of integrating the states. With the new Indian Constitution coming into effect on January 26, 1950, India became a sovereign democratic republic.
Reforms and Policies
Nehru created the states reorganization committee in 1953 to reorganize states according to languages. He promoted democratic socialism and industrialization through the first five-year plans. His greatest geopolitical achievement is considered the Non-alignment Movement (NAM), wherein India decided not to align with any superpower during the Cold War era after World War II.
Nehru’s Legacy
Despite the challenges of the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Nehru championed democratic socialism throughout his 17-year term as Prime Minister. His policies revolved around the four pillars of democracy, socialism, unification, and secularism, which he seamlessly incorporated into building a new independent India. Among his notable works are The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, An Autobiography, and Letters from a Father to His Daughter. Nehru passed away on May 27th, 1964.
