Who was Jawaharlal Nehru?

• Born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, United Provinces, Jawaharlal Nehru was the son of well-known barrister Motilal Nehru and his wife Swaruprani Thussu.
• Nehru's early education took place in England, where he studied natural science at Cambridge University after attending Harrow School.
• He was not just a scholar, but a man of varied interests, including politics, literature, history, and economics.
• Nehru's father was an active participant in the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle, influencing Nehru's political inclinations.
• Although he trained as a lawyer and began his practice at the Allahabad High Court, Nehru was drawn towards the independence movement, eventually leaving his profession to participate fully.
• He was a staunch advocate for complete independence from British rule, and was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of non-violence and non-cooperation.
• Nehru was also a skilled diplomat, understanding the importance of uniting the people of the princely states in the national movement.
• He served as the INC’s General Secretary in 1923 and was the party president in the Lahore session in 1929 when the Poorna Swaraj declaration was made.
• After independence, he played a significant role in the framing of the Constitution and the integration of the country.
• He was instrumental in initiating several developmental projects in the country, including the establishment of the IITs and defence academies.
• Nehru served as India's Prime Minister for 17 years until his death from a heart attack on May 27, 1964.
• His birth anniversary is celebrated as 'Children's Day' in India.

Nehru’s Notable Works Include:

• The Discovery of India
• Toward Freedom (Autobiography)
• Glimpses of World History
• Letters from a Father to His Daughter

Also on this day

1919: Death of Kandukuri Veeresalingam, social reformer.

See more of 'This Day in History' here

Further reading: