Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the greatest figures of our time, an outstanding statesman whose services to the cause of human freedom are unforgettable. As a fighter for freedom he was illustrious, as an architect of modern India his services were unparalleled.

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad. His father Motilal Nehru was a famous lawyer and a great patriot. He received education at his home in Allahabad. His resident tutor F.T. Brooks developed in him a taste for reading and the mysteries of science. He was educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He qualified as a barrister in 1912 and returned to India. He joined Allahabad High Court. During his nearly seven years stay in England he imbibed the traditions of British humanist liberalism. In 1916 he married to Kamala Devi on the Vasanta Panchami day.

Jawaharlal Nehru began his political activities by his association with the Home Rule leagues established by Tilak and Mrs. Annie Besant. Nehru met Gandhi in 1916 at the Lucknow Congress and came under his spell in 1920. He was influenced by Gandhi’s tremendous earnestness and devotion to work. With Gandhi’s blessings he became the president of the Indian National Congress at Lahore and the historic independence resolution was passed on the midnight of December 31, 1929. He was the president of congress again in 1936, 1937 and 1946. He suffered imprisonment for nearly three years in 1942 movement. After release he was the leading spokesman of the India in the several negotiations with the British. In 1946 he formed the interim Government of India and since August 15, 1947 he had been the Prime Minister of India till his death on May 27, 1964.

Pt. Nehru was an author of distinction. His Autobiography which tells the story of his life and struggle is one of the most remarkable books of our time. His ‘Glimpses of World History’ and the ‘Discovery of India’ are notable contributions to the realm of learning and Indian political thought.

Nehru established several scientific laboratories and made the country conscious of the spirit of science. He was the founder of the planned economic growth. Through planned economy he tried to give every one food, clothing, shelter and employment. He firmly believed in the theory and practice of parliamentary democracy. He was a deep votary of the creed of nobility of the means. He detested authoritarianism and violence.

Jawaharlal Nehru was the leading spokesman of the policy of Non-alignment in foreign politics. Throughout her history India has followed the policy of peace. Goutam Buddha and Gandhi have been exponents of this philosophy of peace. Thus Non-alignment is regarded as the political expression of India’s traditional philosophy of peace and goodwill. Nehru had been an exponent of Panchsila or the five cardinal treaties of international amity and concord. These principles are reiterated in the joint declaration of Nehru, Tito and Nasser on July, 19, 1956.

Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the indomitable fighters of Indian freedom. He sacrificed his youth and family for his beloved motherland. He attempted to build the foundations of a strong democratic, secular and socialist India. Kashmir became an integral part of India for his foresight.

Nehru loved children a great deal. Because of his love and passion for children, his birth day, the 14th November is celebrated as Children’s Day every year.