Jawaharlal Nehru Biography

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, led the nation’s freedom struggle and shaped modern India through education, democracy, and progress.

Jawaharlal Nehru Biography, Education, Wife, Books, Death, and Legacy

Syllabus: Modern History (UPSC, HPPSC GS I)

Introduction

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India and one of the chief architects of modern India. A visionary leader, Nehru played a vital role in shaping India’s democracy, foreign policy, and education system. His ideals of secularism, socialism, and scientific progress continue to influence India’s development today.

Birth and Early Life

Date of Birth: November 14, 1889
Place of Birth: Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, British India
Parents:
- Father: Motilal Nehru – a prominent lawyer and Congress leader
- Mother: Swarup Rani Nehru – known for her philanthropy and social work
Community: Kashmiri Pandit
Nickname: Lovingly called Chacha Nehru, especially by children

Note: His birthday, November 14, is celebrated as Children’s Day in India every year in recognition of his love and belief in the power of youth.

Education

Received early education from private tutors at home.
Studied at Harrow School in England.
Graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge.
Studied law at the Inner Temple, London.
Returned to India in 1912 and joined the Indian freedom movement.

His exposure to Western political thought and philosophy during his education influenced his liberal, democratic, and secular outlook.

Family

Wife: Kamala Nehru (married in 1916) – an active participant in the Indian freedom movement.
Daughter: Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi – later became Prime Minister of India (1966–1977, 1980–1984).

Political Awakening and Freedom Struggle

Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) after returning to India.
Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence.
Actively participated in:
- Home Rule League (1919)
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) – imprisoned several times
- Quit India Movement (1942) – arrested again by the British
Became Congress President in 1929, when the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was formally adopted.

Role in India’s Independence

One of the principal leaders who negotiated India’s independence from British rule.
Advocated for a secular, democratic, and industrialized India.
Instrumental in shaping India’s Constitutional framework and political institutions after 1947.

First Prime Minister of India (1947–1964)

Assumed office on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence.
Served as Prime Minister until his death in 1964.

Major Contributions:

Nation-Building: Focused on economic planning and modernization.
Industrialization: Promoted heavy industries and established public sector enterprises.
Education: Founded key institutions such as:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Scientific Temper: Advocated science and technology as tools for progress.
Democratic Framework: Supported secularism, social justice, and equality through constitutional governance.

Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment

Architect of India’s foreign policy based on peace, cooperation, and independence.
One of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1955.
Advocated for:
- Global peace and disarmament
- Freedom for colonized nations
- Neutrality during the Cold War
Promoted friendship and cooperation among newly independent Asian and African countries.

Books by Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru was a distinguished writer and thinker. His major works include:

The Discovery of India
Glimpses of World History
An Autobiography

These writings reflect his deep understanding of India’s heritage, world history, and human progress.

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a pamphlet titled Whither India? ¹in 1928.

Death

Date of Death: May 27, 1964
Cause: Heart attack
Died while serving as the Prime Minister of India.
Succeeded by Lal Bahadur Shastri as the next Prime Minister.

Legacy and Impact

Remembered as the architect of modern India.
Promoted democracy, secularism, and industrial growth.
Laid the foundation for India’s educational and scientific advancement.
His vision of a united, progressive, and self-reliant India continues to inspire generations.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Anniversary 2025

Date: November 14, 2025
Celebrated as Children’s Day across India.
Schools and colleges organize programs, games, and cultural events to honor his love for children and his dream of building a strong, modern India through education and unity.