Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) was the first Prime Minister of India, serving from 1947 until his death. A key figure in India’s struggle for independence, he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political and economic policies.

Introduction

Jawaharlal Nehru, born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad, was a towering figure in the Indian Independence Movement and the inaugural Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation were monumental, earning him the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1955. India celebrates his birth anniversary as Bal Diwas (Children’s Day) in recognition of his fondness for children. Under Nehru’s leadership, the Congress party became a dominant force in both national and state-level politics, and he played a pivotal role in establishing India as a key player in the Non-Aligned Movement in South Asia.

Major Works

• ‘Whither India ? (1933) – after his release from British prison in August 1933, Nehru wrote a series of articles published in a pamphlet titled “Whither India?” 
• Glimpses of World History was published in 1934 which consists of a collection of 196 letters on world history that were written from prison to his daughter Indira Gandhi. 
• An Autobiography is also known as Towards Freedom written by Nehru between 1934 to 1935 when he was imprisoned. It was published in 1936. 
• India and the World (1936) 
• The Agrarian Problem in India: A General Survey (1936) 
• The Discovery of India was written in 1944 when he was imprisoned in Maharashtra and was published in 1946. It discusses the journey of India from its Ancient history to the end of the British Raj. He also argued that India is a historic nation with a right to sovereignty. 
• Letters from a father to his daughter

Life Sketch of Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru, born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad, India, and passing away on 27 May 1964 in New Delhi, hailed from a well-known Kashmiri Brahmin family that had relocated to Delhi in the 18th century. His father, Motilal Nehru, not only achieved prominence as a distinguished lawyer but also emerged as a prominent leader in the Indian National Movement. Nehru’s early education involved being tutored at home by English instructors until the age of 16, during which he also received instruction in Hindi and Sanskrit.

In 1905, Nehru enrolled in an English school in Harrow for two years before transitioning to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he earned a degree in natural science. Subsequently, he pursued legal studies and completed his education as a barrister at the Inner Temple in London. However, after spending an extended period outside India, Nehru acknowledged feeling like a “queer mixture of the East and the West,” devoid of a true sense of belonging.

Upon returning to India, Nehru, despite attempting to establish himself as a lawyer, realized that his true allegiance lay in his innate nationalism and fervent desire for India’s freedom. In 1960, he met Indira Gandhi, who at the time had a negligible role in politics. Nehru’s political journey took a definitive turn in 1929 when he was elected as the President of the Congress Party during a historic session in Lahore, declaring complete independence as India’s political objective, a departure from the party’s previous focus on partial independence.

Throughout the struggle for independence, Nehru endured eight terms of imprisonment from 1921 to 1945. He spent over nine years in jail while actively championing the cause of peasant rights in the United Provinces. His socialist inclinations deepened during a transformative tour of Europe and the Soviet Union in 1926-1927, where his initially vague interest in Marxism crystallized. Nehru found himself drawn to the concept of a socialist framework, continuously engaging with Marxist ideas during his incarcerations.

Although Nehru was certain that blind acceptance of Marxist doctrine was untenable, he considered Marxism a fundamental reference point for his economic philosophy, adapting its principles to suit the unique conditions of India. This nuanced approach underscored Nehru’s commitment to adapting ideological frameworks to the specific needs and circumstances of his homeland.

On Economy and Technology

Jawaharlal Nehru aimed to modernize Indian society through technological and institutional changes, advocating for policies implemented through mass participation. His vision included the establishment of a democratic social structure in India, aspiring towards a classless society. 

Central to his objectives was the emphasis on increased production, industrialization, and capital formation. This involved market regulation, resource generation for funding projects, and the industrialization of all regions to create uniformity in capital-labor relations and the market economy. During the post-colonial era, the Indian economy expanded its business environment, forming new monetized social relations with both power blocs, benefiting without aligning with either. His efforts extended to transforming the existing political structure into contemporary relevance through the creation of new institutions. 

Bikhu Parekh Commented that he was in a hurry and thought that industry led growth transformed the economy far more quickly and effectively than agriculture led growth.

Secularism

Jawaharlal Nehru approached secularism with a scientific mindset, placing little emphasis on religion. In his perspective, religion played a crucial role in providing a framework of moral and ethical values to life. However, his overall stance was oriented towards secularism.

Nehru strongly believed that a political landscape founded on religious principles would hinder the social progress of a society, potentially leading to division. Consequently, he actively opposed the formation of political parties based on communal or religious affiliations, foreseeing the potential for social disharmony.

The essence of Nehru’s views on secularism found expression in the Indian Constitution, encompassing several dimensions. Firstly, the state was mandated not to either encourage or discourage any particular religion. Secondly, the constitution emphasized social and political equality as fundamental principles. Lastly, the promotion of secularism was highlighted by the eradication of inequality on religious grounds.

While Nehru advocated for secularism, it is important to note that he was not inherently opposed to religion. Instead, he envisioned a secular state that would safeguard all religions without favoring any one faith over another more likely based on spiritualism. In his vision, the goal was to establish a state that protected religious freedoms while maintaining a commitment to secular principles.

Views on Socialism

Jawaharlal Nehru’s socialist ideology was a synthesis of various influential philosophies, incorporating key elements from Fabianism, Gandhism, and Marxism.

Firstly, Nehru drew inspiration from Fabianism, which contributed to his embrace of constitutionalism and reformism. The Fabian approach, centered on gradual and peaceful transformation, resonated with Nehru’s vision for constitutional principles and reformative processes in shaping a socialist society.

Secondly, Gandhism played a significant role in Nehru’s socialist thought, particularly in the aspect of adopting purity of means. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on ethical and non-violent methods, Nehru sought to uphold these principles in the pursuit of socialist ideals.

Thirdly, Nehru incorporated elements from Marxism into his socialist framework. He adopted the scientific approach and recognized the inevitability of socialism as articulated by Marxist theory. This scientific perspective informed his understanding of the socio-economic trajectory towards socialism. However his socialism is also very much different from Marx. Unlike Marx he didn’t emphasize man as just a producing being. His Socialism was basically aesthetic and liberal concentrating on the individual rather than community.

In his pursuit of socialism, Nehru made deliberate efforts to accommodate civil liberties within the broader socialist framework. Unlike authoritarian models of planning, Nehru’s economic development planning aimed to safeguard individual freedoms while adhering to socialist principles. His vision was to create a socialist system that not only protected but also nurtured individual freedom.

Nehru’s approach to economic planning, while rejecting the authoritarian nature often associated with planning, was firmly rooted in socialist methods. He sought a balance between economic development and socialist principles, emphasizing equitable distribution and social justice. Nehru for the first time in Awadhi session of congress 1955, declared the ideals of socialist pattern of society based on social ownership, equal distribution, and growth. 

Furthermore, Nehru aimed to intertwine democracy with socialism. For him, the coexistence of democratic governance and socialist ideals was essential. This integration reflected his belief in achieving a just and egalitarian society through the combination of democratic values and socialist principles.

Non-Alignment

Jawaharlal Nehru’s global perspective was characterized by internationalism, driven by a vision for worldwide growth and development that prioritized the well-being of the masses over the specter of war and nuclear threats.

At the core of his international approach was the policy of Non-Alignment, which represented India’s independent foreign policy. Nehru envisioned India as a mediator between the two major power blocs, the East and the West, with the aim of fostering peace. This policy was not only a stance of neutrality but also a commitment to cooperation with both blocs. It was designed to be particularly beneficial for the newly independent nations of Asia and Africa, aligning with the broader goal of creating a global environment conducive to peace and development.

Non-Alignment, as advocated by Nehru, underscored India’s determination to carve out its own path, irrespective of external pressures. By engaging with both power blocs, India aimed to assert its autonomy in decision-making, ultimately serving its national interests. The policy reflected Nehru’s belief that India could navigate the complex international landscape independently, strategically cooperating with different nations based on its own assessment of the situation.

Moreover, Non-Alignment wasn’t merely a posture of neutrality; it was a strategic move to leverage the inherent contradictions within the two power blocs. Nehru envisioned that by skillfully managing these contradictions, India could maximize its economic benefits on a long-term basis while minimizing external conditions imposed upon it. This approach reflected a pragmatic understanding of global geopolitics and an effort to secure the best possible outcomes for India’s development and prosperity in the changing dynamics of the post-colonial world.

Scientific Humanism

Jawaharlal Nehru firmly believed in harnessing the power of science for the social reconstruction of India, recognizing its potential to address pervasive issues such as poverty, insanitation, and illiteracy.

In Nehru’s view, scientific laboratories held a special significance as the temples of modern India. This metaphor underlined the transformative role he envisioned for science in shaping the nation’s progress. He saw scientific advancements as essential tools for tackling the pressing social problems hindering India’s development.

However, Nehru was not an advocate for a blind pursuit of scientific progress. He emphasized the importance of tempering science with wisdom, urging a balanced approach that not only sought truth and new knowledge but also considered the ethical and humanistic dimensions of scientific discovery.

Nehru’s concept of Scientific Humanism encapsulated his dual concern for both science and humanity. In attempting to bridge the gap between the empirical realm of facts and the more abstract realm of spirit, he sought a harmonious integration of the two. This approach reflected his conviction that scientific advancements should not only contribute to technological progress but also enhance the human experience.

Central to Nehru’s Scientific Humanism was the idea that the power derived from scientific progress should be harnessed in the service of humanity rather than exploited for profit at the expense of others. He envisioned a responsible and ethical application of scientific knowledge, aligning its benefits with the well-being of society. This perspective highlighted Nehru’s commitment to ensuring that the fruits of scientific advancement were directed towards social upliftment and the betterment of human lives, embodying a vision where scientific progress and human welfare coexisted harmoniously.

Views on Nationalism

Jawaharlal Nehru, was a staunch nationalist whose vision for the country was deeply rooted in principles of secularism, democracy, and social justice. Throughout the independence movement, Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping India’s political landscape and articulating a vision for a united and inclusive nation. His commitment to national unity was a core tenet of his ideology.

Nehru’s nationalism based on cultural pluralism emphasized the need for a secular state that transcended religious and cultural divides, fostering an inclusive environment for all communities. He championed democracy as a means to ensure political representation for diverse sections of society. Economic self-reliance was another cornerstone of Nehru’s vision, reflected in his advocacy for planned economic development and industrialization to liberate India from colonial dependence.

National unity was a paramount concern for Nehru, given the country’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and ethnic landscape. While he recognized the importance of linguistic identities, he approached demands for linguistic reorganization cautiously. He feared that such divisions might undermine the broader sense of Indian identity. Despite his initial hesitance, Nehru later acquiesced to some linguistic reorganization, striking a delicate balance between linguistic aspirations and national cohesion.

Nehru’s commitment to education and social welfare further exemplified his nationalist agenda, aiming to empower the masses and propel India towards intellectual and scientific advancement. His legacy endures in India’s political and social fabric, with his emphasis on national unity shaping the foundational principles of the Indian Republic.

Nehru and Gandhi

Gandhi and Nehru exhibited a significant time gap of 20 years in their political ideologies, showcasing distinct differences in their thoughts and approaches to life. Gandhi, influenced by the cultural heritage of India, was an orientalist, while Nehru, having been westernized, experienced a profound impact of Western education on his perspectives, leading to a more pragmatic outlook.

The ideological disparities between the two were evident in their views on democracy. Gandhi’s vision of democracy was deeply rooted in spirituality, overlooking a society characterized by private property and hierarchy. In contrast, Nehru embraced a parliamentary democracy, placing faith in institutional structures and advocating for a pragmatic approach.

Their economic philosophies diverged as well. Gandhi advocated for economic sustenance through hand spinning, hand weaving, and khadi, emphasizing self-sufficiency. On the other hand, Nehru leaned towards democratic socialism, endorsing industrialization and the role of scientific and technological progress in sustaining the Indian economy. While Gandhi aimed for India’s autonomy without external interference, Nehru prioritized building diplomatic relations with other nations.

The methods employed by Gandhi and Nehru also reflected their differing approaches. Gandhi adhered to traditional and spiritual methodologies, such as hand spinning, while Nehru embraced more modern strategies to propel India forward. In essence, Gandhi’s ideas were steeped in spirituality and tradition, whereas Nehru’s were grounded in pragmatism and a forward-looking perspective.

Famous Quotes by Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru’s wisdom is encapsulated in several memorable quotes, reflecting his pragmatic approach to governance:

• “The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.”
• “It is the habit of every aggressive nation to claim that it is acting on the defensive.”
• “Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse.”
• “Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes.”
• “Democracy and Socialism are means to an end, not the end itself.”
• “Citizenship consists in the service of the country.”
• “I have become a queer mixture of East and west,out of place everywhere at home nowhere”
• “I don’t myself  see where socialism comes in the present.”

These quotes resonate with Nehru’s commitment to bold action, democratic ideals, and the service of the nation. They encapsulate the essence of his leadership philosophy and continue to inspire generations.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Jawaharlal Nehru stands as a pivotal figure in India’s history, leaving an indelible mark as a visionary leader and the country’s first Prime Minister. His commitment to democracy, socialism, and secularism shaped the foundational principles of the nation. Nehru’s forward-looking economic policies, emphasis on scientific humanism, and adept diplomacy, especially through non-alignment, showcased his multifaceted leadership. His legacy endures through timeless quotes and a legacy of nation-building. Nehru’s contributions, marked by a blend of pragmatism and idealism, continue to resonate, serving as a guiding light for India’s ongoing journey as a vibrant and diverse democracy.

Read More:

• Regionalism in India: A Comprehensive Examination
• Language and Identity Politics in India: Exploring the Complex Interplay
• Religion and Identity Politics in India
• Tribal Politics and Movements
• Dalit Movements