The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru’s vision for India was beyond political leadership. Pandit Nehru has played a pivotal role as a freedom fighter, leader of common people and a true champion of justice, freedom and peace.
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Pandit Nehru
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was such a person who earned praise even from his stern critics. He was one of the prominent leaders of India’s struggle for freedom and is also known as “the architect of modern India” for his significant contributions. He was a nationalist, author and democrat known for his administrative aptitude and academic prowess. Pandit Nehru was a revolutionary who became a protege and close confidante of the saintly Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was courageous, fearless and a man of integrity. He was Gandhi’s chosen political heir who had a firm commitment towards making India self-sufficient. Many believe that Pandit Nehru played a key role in making India a vibrant democracy, an industrial powerhouse and a strong military power for which he laid foundations.
Born to Motilal Nehru and Swarup Rani, Pandit Nehru belonged to the Kashmiri Pandit community and was the eldest of three children. His sister was Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit who was a fierce diplomat and the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly.
Pandit Nehru and Children
Affectionately called “Chacha Nehru”, he firmly believed that children are the core foundation of a society and the country’s future. He strongly voiced his opinion for their rights by encouraging child education. He set up the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to support young talent. He once said “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow” which throws light on his determination to secure a bright future for the country’s youth.
His birthday on 14th November is celebrated in India as National Children’s Day after he died in 1964. It is not only a day of celebration and merry-making but also a day to prioritize and provide a nurturing environment for the nation-builders of tomorrow. It shows us that we have a responsibility to shape the future of our youth.
Pandit Nehru and Education
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a visionary and laid great emphasis on education in transforming our nation. He believed in the power of education which is fundamental to the progress and development of any nation. He stressed that education is the only way by which the agrarian society of India can be changed into a flourishing hub of professionals having expertise in various fields. With education and a skilled workforce, India can create a mark on the global stage in different spheres.
The IITs, IIMs and other institutes set up by Nehru encapsulate his determination to make India a developed nation by providing education. Education can create a technically efficient workforce who can adapt themselves to the changing dynamics. According to Nehru, education can have a strong influence on the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Pandit Nehru and the United Nations
Around 70 years ago, as the first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru gave his first speech at the United Nations where he stressed on the importance of peace among nations. While addressing several issues at the United Nations General Assembly, Nehru discussed the future roadmap of the prestigious international organization.
Pandit Nehru and Tribals
Nehru’s philosophy on tribals was based on justice, freedom and equality which is the hallmark of the Gandhian philosophy. Nehru was fascinated by the tribal culture and their heroism despite dealing with issues like poverty, ignorance and many others. He was determined to protect their customs and bring them to the forefront of the development process and ensured their participation in nation-building. Pandit Nehru had a strong connection and sympathy for the tribals. During his tenure, attempts and adequate steps were taken for the development of tribals which included bringing them to the mainstream of national culture.
