On this day in 1964, India bid farewell to its first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Who was Jawaharlal Nehru?
Born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, United Provinces, Jawaharlal Nehru was the son of well-known barrister Motilal Nehru and his wife Swaruprani Thussu.
Nehru's early education took place in England, where he studied natural science at Cambridge University after attending Harrow School.
He was not just a scholar, but a man of varied interests, including politics, literature, history, and economics.
Nehru's father was an active participant in the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle, influencing Nehru's political inclinations.
Although he trained as a lawyer and began his practice at the Allahabad High Court, Nehru was drawn towards the independence movement, eventually leaving his profession to participate fully.
He was a staunch advocate for complete independence from British rule, and was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of non-violence and non-cooperation.
Nehru was also a skilled diplomat, understanding the importance of uniting the people of the princely states in the national movement.
He served as the INC’s General Secretary in 1923 and was the party president in the Lahore session in 1929 when the Poorna Swaraj declaration was made.
After independence, he played a significant role in the framing of the Constitution and the integration of the country.
He was instrumental in initiating several developmental projects in the country, including the establishment of the IITs and defence academies.
Nehru served as India's Prime Minister for 17 years until his death from a heart attack on May 27, 1964.
His birth anniversary is celebrated as 'Children's Day' in India.
Nehru’s Notable Works Include:
The Discovery of India
Toward Freedom (Autobiography)
Glimpses of World History
Letters from a Father to His Daughter
Also on this day
1919: Death of Kandukuri Veeresalingam, social reformer.
Some of Nehru's works include 'The Discovery of India', 'Toward Freedom' (Autobiography), 'Glimpses of World History', and 'Letters from a Father to His Daughter'.
What is the significance of Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary?
Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary is observed as ‘Children’s Day’ in India.