Jawaharlal Nehru Former Prime Minister of India Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more,

Jawaharlal Nehru: Biography of the First Prime Minister of India

Full Name: Jawaharlal Nehru
Born: November 14, 1889, Allahabad, India
Died: May 27, 1964, New Delhi, India
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
Spouse: Kamala Nehru (m. 1916; d. 1938)
Children: Indira Gandhi (daughter)
Parents: Motilal Nehru (father), Swaruprani Thussu (mother)

Introduction to Jawaharlal Nehru:

Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the towering figures in Indian history, served as the first Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964. He was a key architect of modern India, guiding the country towards independence from British rule and establishing its foundational policies. His legacy continues to influence Indian politics and governance today. Nehru was known for his charismatic leadership, his intellectual acumen, and his vision of a secular, socialist, and democratic India.

Early Life and Education:

Nehru was born into an affluent family in Allahabad. His father, Motilal Nehru, was a prominent lawyer and a leader in the Indian independence movement, while his mother, Swaruprani Thussu, was a caring homemaker. Nehru's early education was from private tutors, and later he went to Harrow School in England and then to Eton College. He pursued his higher studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in Natural Sciences.

Nehru went on to study law at the Inner Temple in London before returning to India in 1912, prepared to take on the mantle of leadership in his country.

Personal Life:

Nehru married Kamala Kaul in 1916, and they had one daughter, Indira Gandhi, who would later go on to become India's first female Prime Minister. Kamala Nehru was a supportive and compassionate wife, but she passed away in 1938 after a long illness, leaving Nehru devastated. Nehru never remarried and remained dedicated to his daughter and his work for India's freedom.

Nehru's daughter, Indira Gandhi, would become the central figure in the Nehru-Gandhi family political legacy, continuing his vision of a modern India.

Political Career and Leadership:

Nehru's political journey began with his association with the Indian National Congress, where he worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi to bring an end to British rule in India. Initially, Nehru embraced socialist ideals and sought complete independence for India. His belief in the importance of non-violent resistance, as promoted by Gandhi, shaped much of his early career.

In 1947, India gained independence from British rule, and Jawaharlal Nehru became the country's first Prime Minister. Under his leadership, India adopted a new constitution and embraced democratic principles. Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy, advocating for non-alignment in international affairs and focusing on nation-building at home.

As Prime Minister, Nehru worked tirelessly to modernize India. He emphasized industrialization, scientific advancement, and the promotion of education. His policies led to the establishment of numerous institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), laying the groundwork for India’s future in various fields.

Professional Life and Vision:

Nehru's vision for India was one of industrialization, scientific progress, and social equality. As an intellectual, Nehru sought to create a modern state grounded in democratic values and social justice. He is remembered for his contributions to shaping the Indian Constitution, creating institutions that continue to play a central role in India’s development, and for laying the foundation of a welfare state.

Key Initiatives:

Economic Policies: Nehru promoted a mixed economy, blending public and private sector enterprises. His government focused on industrialization and infrastructure development. The establishment of public sector industries like steel plants and coal mines played a significant role in the country’s economic growth.
Education and Science: Nehru strongly believed in the power of education to transform society. He played a key role in the development of educational institutions such as IITs, IISc, and AIIMS. Nehru also laid the foundation for India’s nuclear program and emphasized scientific research as an essential component of national development.
Foreign Policy: Nehru championed the policy of non-alignment, maintaining India’s independence from the influence of the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His diplomatic efforts sought peace and cooperation among nations, and he played a prominent role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Social Welfare: Nehru’s policies aimed to uplift the marginalized sections of society. He sought to improve the status of women, reduce caste-based discrimination, and enhance social and economic equality.

Legacy and Influence:

Jawaharlal Nehru's impact on India’s growth cannot be overstated. His vision for a democratic, secular, and socialist India continues to guide the nation’s policies and governance. Nehru’s ideas on education, industrialization, and foreign relations have had a lasting influence on Indian society.

He is often remembered for his charismatic speeches, particularly his famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech on August 14, 1947, when India gained independence. Nehru’s personal values, including his belief in equality, social justice, and secularism, formed the core of India’s political ideology.

Death and Commemoration:

Jawaharlal Nehru passed away on May 27, 1964, due to a heart attack. His death marked the end of an era in Indian politics. Nehru’s influence continues to be felt, and his birthday, November 14, is celebrated as Children’s Day in India, in honor of his love for children and his emphasis on education.

Conclusion:

Jawaharlal Nehru remains one of the most significant figures in Indian history. As the first Prime Minister of India, he played a crucial role in transforming a newly independent nation into a modern, democratic, and secular republic. His vision for India’s future, rooted in progress, science, and social justice, has left an indelible mark on the country. Even today, Nehru’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his policies still influence the direction of the nation.

Here are some more lesser-known and interesting facts about Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India:

1. Passion for Children and Education:

Nehru had a deep affection for children and was often referred to as Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru) by young Indians. He believed in the transformative power of education and spent much of his time nurturing India’s educational system. This love for children led to the celebration of his birthday, November 14, as Children’s Day in India.

2. Nehru's Love for Nature and Wildlife:

Nehru had a keen interest in wildlife and nature. He was an avid reader of natural history books and loved visiting the Himalayas. He often took long walks and hikes to connect with nature and believed in the importance of preserving the environment.

3. Personal Letters to Gandhi:

Nehru was known to have written hundreds of letters to Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life, sharing his thoughts, emotions, and political views. These letters offer deep insights into his personal beliefs and struggles during the Indian independence movement.

4. His Relationship with His Father:

Nehru shared a close bond with his father, Motilal Nehru, a prominent lawyer and freedom fighter. Motilal played a significant role in shaping Nehru’s views on politics and governance, and it was under his influence that Nehru joined the Indian National Congress and became active in the freedom movement.

5. A Lover of Western Literature:

Nehru was an avid reader and had a passion for Western literature. He was particularly fond of works by famous authors like Leo Tolstoy, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and John Ruskin. His love for books helped him develop a vast intellectual knowledge, which shaped his vision for India’s future.

6. A Pioneer in Indian Space Exploration:

While India’s space program took off after Nehru’s tenure, he laid the groundwork for India’s space exploration by establishing the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later became ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). His emphasis on scientific advancement helped India pave the way for its space achievements.

7. Necklaces for the Ladies:

A lesser-known fact is that Nehru had a penchant for gifting silk scarves and necklaces to his close associates and friends, including prominent women leaders. His preference for such thoughtful gifts reflected his charming and thoughtful personality.

8. Favorite Food:

Nehru was known to have a simple yet refined taste in food. His favorite dishes included poha (a traditional Indian breakfast), apple pie, and steamed fish. Despite being a public figure, he preferred simple, homemade food rather than extravagant meals.

9. Nehru and the Gandhi-Nehru Legacy:

Though often associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru had a distinctive vision for India’s future. His democratic and secular ideals set him apart, and although he respected Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, Nehru’s approach to modernization and governance was grounded in scientific and industrial progress.

10. Early Political Leadership:

Nehru became the President of the Indian National Congress at the young age of 41. This role helped him gain widespread recognition and support within the Congress and the Indian freedom movement.

11. His Love for Art and Culture:

Nehru had a strong interest in the arts. He encouraged the growth of Indian classical music, dance, and painting, and many of India’s iconic cultural institutions were established during his tenure, such as the National Institute of Design and National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.

12. First to Address the Nation on TV:

Nehru was the first Indian leader to address the nation via television. On Independence Day, in 1959, Nehru delivered a speech broadcast on the newly-established national television, marking a historic moment in Indian media.

13. Influenced by International Leaders:

Nehru admired several world leaders, particularly those who championed freedom, equality, and democracy. He was inspired by Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill for their leadership during times of adversity.

14. Support for the Arts and Literature:

Nehru took an active interest in promoting Indian literature and arts. His government supported the National Academy of Letters (Sahitya Akademi) and the National Film Archive of India. Nehru also personally encouraged many young authors and poets to pursue their passion.

15. Global Influence:

Nehru’s ideology of Non-Alignment (NAM) played an important role in global diplomacy, particularly during the Cold War era. His foreign policy focused on keeping India independent from both the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which helped India carve a distinct identity on the global stage.

These lesser-known facts highlight Nehru’s multidimensional personality. His legacy remains impactful across politics, culture, education, and international relations, and he continues to be regarded as one of India's most visionary and transformative leaders.

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