Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) was an influential Indian nationalist leader, freedom fighter, and the first Prime Minister of independent India. He played a key role in shaping modern India’s political, social, and economic foundations. Below is a brief overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life and Education

Born: November 14, 1889, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), India, to Motilal Nehru and Swaruprani Thussu.

Family: Nehru belonged to a wealthy and influential Kashmiri Brahmin family.

Education: He studied at Harrow School in England, then pursued a degree in natural sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge. He later trained as a barrister at the Inner Temple in London.

Return to India: After completing his education, Nehru returned to India in 1912 and started practicing law.

Political Career and Role in Freedom Struggle

Joining the Indian National Congress (INC): Nehru joined the INC in 1919 and became closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, adopting his ideals of nonviolence and civil disobedience.

Key Contributions:

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Played a significant role in the movement led by Gandhi.

Salt March (1930): Actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Imprisonments: Nehru was jailed several times by the British for his role in the freedom struggle.

Internationalism: Advocated for India’s role in the global anti-colonial movement and attended various international conferences.

President of INC: Served as Congress president several times, including in 1929, when he demanded “Purna Swaraj” (complete independence) for India.

Post-Independence Era

Prime Minister of India (1947–1964): Nehru became the first Prime Minister after India’s independence on August 15, 1947, and served until his death.

Key Policies:

Economic Development: Advocated for a mixed economy combining socialism and capitalism. Focused on industrialization and planned development through five-year plans.

Education: Emphasized the importance of science, technology, and education. Established institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): A founder of NAM, Nehru advocated for neutrality during the Cold War.

Social Reforms: Promoted secularism, gender equality, and the abolition of discriminatory practices like untouchability.

Challenges: Faced issues like partition violence, refugee rehabilitation, and the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which dented his reputation.

Personal Life

Marriage: Married Kamala Kaul in 1916. They had one daughter, Indira Gandhi, who later became Prime Minister of India.

Books: Nehru was an accomplished writer. His works include The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, and An Autobiography.

Legacy

Death: Nehru passed away on May 27, 1964, in New Delhi.

Impact: Known as “Pandit Nehru,” he is remembered as the architect of modern India. His birthday, November 14, is celebrated as Children’s Day in India in recognition of his love for children.

Nehru’s vision and policies laid the foundation for India’s development as a sovereign, democratic, and secular nation.