His Birth:
November 13, 1889. His parents — Motilal Nehru, the great lawyer and statesman of Swadeshi. His upbringing amidst affluence as the only son. Mother — Swaruprani.
His Education:
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Harrow and Cambridge; Tripos in Science, Bar-at-law. Returns- to India to practice at the Allahabad Bar.
His Political Career:
Nationalist socialist joins the Congress, accepts Gandhiji’s moral leadership but retains his modern outlook. Sponsors with Netaji Bose the Independence Resolution of 1928 against Gandhi. In the forefront of freedom’s fight – 1919-1942 in non-cooperation movement, 1921; Civil disobedience, 1931, imprisonment; opposes Council entry, 1937; travels in and outside India; in touch with the common people. Supports Quit India resolution, 1942.
The War 1939:
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Denounces Fascism but demands freedom as condition for co-operating with the British; in jail from 1942-45.
Nehru Takes a Prominent Part:
In all negotiations of the Cabinet Mission, 1945. Vicerory’s Executive Council, 1945. Agrees to partition of India; becomes the first Prime Minister of Free Indian Republic on 15th August, 1947.
Nehru’s Domestic Policy:
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The building up of a New India with planned economy — a balanced Industrial and Agricultural economy in a Socialistic framework. His foreign policy — based on non-alignment, peace and friendliness with all nations. Death on May 27, 1964 — ends an era. He was for bringing India to the forefront of progressive nations by one leap and lever. So he is now considered a pioneer in many nation-building activities, though somewhat like a visionary.