It was on May 27, 2025, that India celebrated the 61st anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s death, the country’s first Prime Minister, who played a major role in winning independence for India. Even more than six decades after Nehru died, his thoughts, accomplishments and vision play a big role in shaping India’s society and politics. As India honors this leader, it also provides a moment to remember him, recognize what he achieved and consider his impact on India.
A Visionary Leader and Freedom Fighter
Nehru was born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad and was educated at Harrow, Eton, later went to Trinity College, Cambridge and finished his education with law at the Inner Temple in London. His social status did not stop Nehru from joining the fight for freedom because of Mahatma Gandhi. Thanks to Gandhian principles of peace and defiance, Nehru jumped into the struggle for Indian freedom.
Because of his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement, the British sent Gandhi to prison several times. He dedicated himself fully to Indian nationalism and, before long, was recognized as an important member of the Indian National Congress.
India’s First Prime Minister: Laying the Foundation
On 15 August 1947, when India came under its own rule for the first time, Nehru was appointed as Prime Minister. After becoming head of the temporary government and then leading the republic, Nehru faced the hard assignment of bringing together a country divided after the partition and in poverty.
Khilafat was central to Khilafat’s desire for a secular, working-class and democratic republic, which the Indian Constitution later adopted. Under Nehru’s leadership, India respected unity with diversity, supported interest in science and planned its economy with a powerful public role.
Architect of Modern India
Nehru had a big hand in building the modern infrastructure of India after it gained independence. He believed that by encouraging industrialization and using science and technology, India would develop.
He started the Five-Year Plans to focus on developing state-run businesses, dams, steel plants and schools. During his time as minister, both the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) were founded. Because of this, they are now known for greatness and have made India stand out internationally on the grounds of innovation and talent.
In addition, Nehru’s belief in science and logic helped guide India’s development of technology. When he said, “Dams are the temples of modern India,” he showed how he hoped to combine both traditional and cutting-edge practices.
Champion of Secularism and Democracy
Perhaps the biggest thing Nehru left was his legacy of promoting secularism. When the region was troubled by religious conflict after Partition, Nehru stayed committed to having a country where all religions were respected and treated as equals.
He trusted that India’s power came from its pluralism and the way all voices were heard. Because his laws valued religious tolerance and protected minorities, it made society more united. He continually fought to protect India’s democracy, by honoring each institution’s independence, allowing freedom of speech and encouraging disagreements that respected the law.
Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment
At the international level, Nehru formed a policy that helped keep India independent and protected its sovereignty. He played an important role in shaping the Non-Aligned Movement by choosing neutrality over joining the Cold War.
He argued that countries that gained independence from colonial rule should not be brought into superpower spats. India became recognized worldwide as a country supporting peace, efforts to disarm and better communication.
Criticism and Controversies
Although Nehru is widely respected for what he did, his achievements are sometimes questioned. Critics from these fields say that Nehru’s economic choices, the license system and heavy government role blocked private initiatives and inventions.
How he handled the Kashmir situation and the 1959 Sino-Indian War attracted many bugs. India’s sense of pride suffered greatly, and Nehru lost personal respect, because of the 1962 war with China. Several believed that Nehru showed more trust in China’s rulers and was slow to get the army ready for conflict.
But even those who challenge Nehru’s leadership agree that he always worked for peace and aimed to make India progress without violence.
Cultural and Intellectual Legacy
He was involved in politics and also displayed his thoughts as a writer. “The Discovery of India,” “Glimpses of World History,” and “Letters from a Father to His Daughter” continue to charm readers because of their eloquence, richness and historical value.
His commitment to education and children won him the nickname “Chacha Nehru,” which means much to many Indians. On his birthday, November 14, Indians celebrate Children’s Day, remembering Gandhi’s insistence that forming young minds is the backbone of a strong nation.
The Final Days
The Chinese aggression of 1962 greatly affected Nehru’s health and appeared to age him. He died of a heart attack on May 27, 1964. The country was shocked and grieved after his death.
When he passed away, the Indian Parliament and its people mourned greatly, and millions went out into the streets to honor him. His death signalled the end of an important time—a freedom fighter, a statesman, and a visionary had all passed away.
Legacy in Today’s India
After more than sixty years, Jawaharlal Nehru’s ideas remain central to India in modern times. Thanks to him, we have reliable institutions and systems in democracy, secularism, education, science and industry.
Even so, people often argue about his legacy in the current political division. Though there are those who want to reconsider his decisions today, others believe his beliefs are why India remains a democracy.
Although views vary, there can be no doubt that Nehru played a major role in forming the Indian Republic. The goal of an open, modern and self-reliant India is more important now than at any other time.
Conclusion: Remembering the Man Behind the Nation
Let’s focus today on Nehru’s philosophy and avoid only considering his political role. He was flawed as a leader, yet he was fair, imaginative and completely devoted to India.
As Nehru remarked, the gains we are noting now are only one step up to even bigger successes in the future. When India deals with the challenges and positive opportunities ahead, considering what Nehru did helps us visualize growth based on democracy, global togetherness and advances in science.
We are asked by his life’s work: Is it possible to maintain his important values? Are we able to create a future that would resonate with his hopes?
Instead, these answers are found in how we keep Nehru’s compassion, courage and growth alive in our country.
