Jawaharlal Nehru was a key figure in India's independence movement, serving as the country's first Prime Minister. He promoted democracy, secularism, and science, and played a significant role in shaping India's modern identity. Nehru's leadership extended to international affairs, advocating for non-alignment during the Cold War. His legacy includes being a prolific author and the architect of Modern India.
Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent Indian anti-colonial nationalist, statesman, and author, was born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad, British India. He played a crucial role in India's independence movement and later served as the country's first Prime Minister.
In 1905, Jawaharlal Nehru went to Harrow, a leading English school, where he stayed for two years. This experience was part of his Western upbringing and education.
Jawaharlal Nehru started his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge in October 1907. He pursued a degree in natural science and showed interest in politics, economics, history, and literature.
After completing his studies in London, Nehru returned to India in August 1912. He enrolled as an advocate at the Allahabad High Court but soon shifted his focus towards nationalist politics.
In 1913, Nehru actively collected funds for the Indian civil rights movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa. He campaigned against discrimination faced by Indians in British colonies.
In 1915, Nehru openly criticized the Indian Civil Service for supporting British policies. He demanded Home Rule for Indians and became involved with aggressive nationalist leaders.
On 8 February 1916, Jawaharlal Nehru married Kamala Kaul.
On 19 November 1917, Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, was born.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Massacre of Amritsar, was a tragic event in which 379 innocent people were killed and over 1,200 wounded by the British army, profoundly impacting Jawaharlal Nehru's life and leading him to devote himself to India's independence struggle.
Jawaharlal Nehru joined the Non-co-operation Movement in 1920.
Jawaharlal Nehru was arrested on December 6, 1921, for participating in the Volunteer Movement and urging the boycott of the visit of the Prince of Wales to India.
Jawaharlal Nehru was released on March 3, 1922, after being arrested for picketing cloth shops.
Jawaharlal Nehru was released on January 26, 1923, after being arrested for defying an order banning entry into Nabha State.
Jawaharlal Nehru was arrested on September 19, 1923, for defying an order banning entry into Nabha State.
In 1926, Jawaharlal Nehru embarked on a tour of several European countries including Italy, Switzerland, England, Belgium, Germany, and Russia, where he engaged in diplomatic and political activities.
In February 1927, Jawaharlal Nehru attended the Congress of Oppressed Nationalities in Brussels during his visit to Europe and Britain.
On August 29, 1928, Jawaharlal Nehru attended the All-Party Congress and signed the Nehru Report on Indian Constitutional Reform, while also establishing the 'Independence for India League' advocating for complete independence from British rule.
On 30 November 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Nagpur session of the All-India Trade Union Congress.
On 29 December 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress.
On New Year's Eve 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the tricolour flag of India in Lahore, symbolizing a pledge of independence and readiness to withhold taxes, leading to mass resignations of Indian legislators and a call for complete independence from British rule.
On 14 April 1930, Jawaharlal Nehru was arrested during the Salt Satyagraha Movement.
On 11 October 1930, Jawaharlal Nehru was released after being arrested during the Salt Satyagraha Movement.
On 19 October 1930, Jawaharlal Nehru was arrested for a speech made in favor of the no-tax campaign.
Jawaharlal Nehru was arrested on 12 February in Calcutta for speeches made.
On February 14, 1935, Jawaharlal Nehru completed his autobiography while serving time in Almora Jail.
Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress on 23 April.
In July 1938, Jawaharlal Nehru visited Spain amidst the Civil War that was ongoing in the country.
Just before the outbreak of the Second World War, Jawaharlal Nehru visited China.
On 8 October 1940, Viceroy Linlithgow offered Dominion status for India to Nehru, without specifying a timeline or method, while making it clear that power would not be transferred to a Congress-dominated government.
On October 31, 1940, Pt. Nehru was arrested for initiating individual Satyagraha to protest against India's forced participation in the war.
In December 1941, Pt. Nehru along with other leaders was released from imprisonment.
On August 7, 1942, Pt. Nehru presented the historic 'Quit India' resolution at the A.I.C.C. session in Bombay.
On August 8, 1942, Pt. Nehru was arrested along with other leaders and taken to Ahmednagar Fort, marking his longest and final detention.
On June 15, 1945, he was released from prison. He later represented the Congress at the Simla Conference and took part in various political activities.
On July 6, 1946, Pt. Nehru was elected as the President of the Congress for the fourth time.
On September 2, 1946, an Interim Government was formed with Jawaharlal Nehru serving as the Vice-President of the Viceroy's Executive Council and member for External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations.
On December 13, 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru introduced the 'Objectives Resolution' in the Constituent Assembly.
On March 23, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi.
India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
Upon India's independence on 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru gave a famous speech titled 'Tryst with Destiny' and became the first Prime Minister of the Dominion of India. He raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, marking a significant moment in Indian history.
On November 3, 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in Paris.
Inaugurated the conference of eighteen nations to condemn Dutch aggression on Indonesia.
On 26 January 1950, India transitioned into a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of the Republic of India. This marked a significant milestone in India's governance and constitutional framework.
Elected as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1951, serving until 1954.
Formed a new government in May after the first General Elections and initiated the Community Development Program on October 2nd.
In June 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru, an Indian nationalist leader and statesman, assumed office as the first prime minister of independent India in 1947.
Hosted the Chief Ministers' Conference in New Delhi in November.
Appointed to the States Reorganization Commission in December.
Chou En-lai visited India in 1954, and a joint statement was issued in June by the Prime Ministers of India and China, listing the five principles (Panchsheel) for the regulation of relations between nations.
From 15th to 25th April 1955, the Afro-Asian Conference took place in Bandung.
On 17th and 18th July 1956, a conference was held with President Nasser of Egypt and President Tito of Yugoslavia at Brioni.
Prime Minister Nehru visited the United States in late 1956, meeting with President Eisenhower and discussing various topics including India's neutrality, socialism, and the views of the 'third world' on U.S. actions during the Hungarian Revolt and the Suez Crisis.
Jawaharlal Nehru, as the Indian Prime Minister, visited the United States in 1956 and became the first head of state to visit the Eisenhower home and farm. He was also the only visiting world leader to stay overnight at the property.
In April 1957, a new government was formed after the second General Elections.
A year before meeting Jawaharlal Nehru, Martin Luther King Jr. inscribed a copy of his book 'Stride Toward Freedom' to Nehru, expressing his appreciation for Nehru's goodwill, humanitarian concern, and the inspiration he drew from Nehru's struggle for India.
A letter dated 14 January 1959 from Nehru to Martin Luther King, Jr., reflecting their communication and shared ideals.
Jawaharlal Nehru and Martin Luther King Jr. met at the prime minister's home on 10 February 1959. They discussed the possibility of Indian universities providing assistance for African American students, as well as the concept of nonviolence and the influence of Gandhianism in India.
On 3rd October 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In September 1961, a conference of Non-aligned Nations was held in Belgrade.
On 26th October 1962, a State of Emergency was proclaimed by the President of India following the Chinese aggression.
In 1963, the 'Kamaraj Plan' was implemented where ministers relinquished office to reorganize the Congress Party.
On 27th May 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru passed away in New Delhi and was cremated at what is now Shanti Vana on the banks of the Yamuna river.
A book edited by Natwar-Singh in 1965 that discusses the lasting impact and influence of Nehru.
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, passed away in 1966, leaving a significant impact on Indian politics and history.
The prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fellowship was established in 1968.
In 1970, Jawaharlal Nehru was posthumously awarded the World Peace Council prize for his contributions to peace and diplomacy. This recognition highlighted his enduring impact on global efforts towards maintaining peace.
Nehru's policy of weaponisation using indigenous sources was completed by his daughter Indira Gandhi, who led India to a crushing military victory over Pakistan in 1971.
In 1990, Indian film director Kiran Kumar made a film about Nehru titled Nehru: The Jewel of India.
In 1997, Nehru was voted as the greatest Indian since independence in India Today's poll.
In 2012, Nehru ranked number four in Outlook's poll of The Greatest Indian.