November 14th is widely celebrated as Children’s Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India – Jawaharlal Nehru. This article deals with the details of Children’s Day and the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru to the Nation.
About Children’s Day
November 14th is celebrated as Children’s Day to mark the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Along with paying tribute to Pt. Nehru, this day serves as a reminder of children’s rights, education, and well-being.
- In the beginning, the United Nations’ Universal Children’s Day, observed on November 20th, was celebrated as Children’s Day in India. After Nehru’s demise in 1964, the Indian Parliament passed a resolution, designating November 14th as Children’s Day in India.
Glimpse of Nehru’s Life
- Jawaharlal Nehru was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the first Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964.
- Born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, Nehru played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
- He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Nehru’s vision for a modern and democratic India led to significant social and economic reforms, including the establishment of a mixed economy and promotion of education and industrialization.
- He was also a key figure in shaping India’s foreign policy and advocating for non-alignment during the Cold War.
- The contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru to India’s development and his commitment to democracy continue to be widely recognized.
Contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru to India
Contributions to Indian Freedom Struggle
Return to India
After spending around 7 years in Britain, Nehru returned to India in 1912. After this, he entered into Indian politics.
Bankipore Session of INC, 1912
In 1912, the first Session of INC in Bihar was held at Bankipore, Patna. Nehru participated in this session as a delegate.
Home Rule League, 1916
In 1916, Nehru became Joint Secretary of the provincial Home Rule League started by Tilak and Annie Besant. Later, in 1919, he became secretary of the Home Rule League, Allahabad.
Non-Cooperation Movement, 1920-22
Nehru contributed towards the progress of Non-Cooperation Movement in his province, and particularly in villages.
Anti Simon Commission Movement, 1928-29
Nehru, along with Subhash Chandra Bose, emerged as the leaders of the new wave of youth that had entered into Indian Freedom Struggle for the first time. During this movement, Nehru was lathicharge in Lucknow in 1928.
Lahore Session of INC, 1929
Nehru served as the president of this session, which is known for adoption of “complete independence” as the goal of INC.
Civil Disobedience Movement, 1930-32
During this movement, Nehru was prevented from playing more than a token role. However, Nehru did contribute to this movement by playing a leadership role in various ways to strengthen and mobilise Congress organization for this movement.
Lucknow Session of INC, 1936
Nehru presided over this session, where he urged the Congress to adopt Socialism as its goal.
Individual Satyagraha, 1940
In this movement demanding freedom of speech against World War II, Nehru was the second person to offer the satyagraha right after Vinoba Bhave.
Quit India Movement, 1942
On August 7th, 1942 Pt. Nehru moved the historic ‘Quit India’ resolution at the AICC session in Bombay. On August 8th, 1942 he was arrested along with other leaders and taken to Ahmednagar Fort.
Indian National Army (INA) Trials, 1945-46
Nehru was one of the lawyers who fought cases on behalf of the INA PoWs.
Interim Prime Minister, 1946
Jawahar Lal Nehru was the head of the interim government sworn in 1946.
Views and Contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru
Humanism
- He believed in the principles of humanism, which emphasize every individual’s inherent worth and dignity.
- In line with this belief, Nehru advocated for social justice, secularism, and the promotion of human rights.
- Jawaharlal Nehru’s contribution to humanism is also reflected in his efforts to promote scientific education, which he believed was essential for the development of the individual for development of individuals and society.
Culture
- Nehru explained the essence of culture in terms of inner growth, behavior towards others, capacity to understand others, and the capacity to make everyone self-understood.
- Accordingly, Nehru emphasised on Science and Scientific temper. This had a renovating effect on India’s culture.
- He also injected a feeling of righteous indignation against all violations of human dignity, against regimentation and dictatorship, and conservatism and communalism.
Science
- Nehru’s emphasis on science and scientific temper proved crucial for the progress and development of a nation.
- He believed that scientific knowledge and technological advancements were essential for the growth of India and its people.
- Nehru emphasized scientific research, education, and infrastructure to foster innovation and drive economic growth.
- Nehru himself assumed the chairmanship of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which guided and financed national laboratories and other scientific institutions.
Nationalism
- Jawaharlal Nehru had a nuanced understanding of nationalism. He emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and believed in a form of nationalism that was inclusive, secular, and based on the principles of democracy and social justice.
- Nehru’s this vision laid the foundation of a modern and democratic India, where every citizen could participate in the nation-building process and enjoy the benefits of freedom and development.
Communalism and Secularism
- Jawaharlal Nehru strongly advocated for secularism and opposed communalism, promoting a society where all religions are respected and treated equally.
- His commitment to secularism contributed to India’s pluralistic identity and social harmony.
Planning
- He was a strong advocate for planned economic development, and believed in the importance of central planning to guide and coordinate the country’s economic growth.
- Nehru saw planning as a means to address poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, and to achieve social justice and equitable distribution of resources.
- He played a key role in establishing the Planning Commission of India, which formulated and implemented Five-Year Plans to promote industrialization, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs.
Foreign Policy
Non-Aligned Movement
- Nehru advocated for a foreign policy that emphasized neutrality and non-alignment during the Cold War era and played a significant role in establishment and promotion of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- This helped India maintain a neutral and independent position, and hence take its independent decisions during its formative years.
Concept of Panchsheel
- Jawaharlal Nehru’s concept of Panchsheel, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, aimed to guide international relations and promote peaceful cooperation among nations.
- This helped India co-exist peacefully with its neighbor.
To sum up, the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru, as reflected through his ideas and actions, span over multifarious areas including socio-economic progress, culture, humanism and many more. His diverse contributions laid the foundation of modern India, and ensured its progress in its formative years. Celebration of Children’s Day every year continues to recognize ever-lasting impacts of his contributions.
Source: PM India
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