Why the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru endures even now
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)
| Topic: GS1 – Indian History – Personalities |
| Context |
| ●Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar criticized Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing him of subverting the Constitution and implementing flawed foreign policies.
●President Kovind’s omission of Nehru’s name in a speech highlights a trend to diminish his legacy. ●This marks a shift in historical narratives. |
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Contributions to India
Institutionalization of Democracy
- Played a key role in drafting and implementing the Indian Constitution, ensuring democratic governance.
- Established parliamentary democracy as India’s political framework, fostering a culture of debates and elections.
- Strengthened democratic institutions, ensuring the separation of powers and individual rights.
Economic Vision
- Advocated for a mixed economy combining public and private sector efforts to promote growth and equity.
- Initiated the Five-Year Plans, focusing on industrialization, self-reliance, and reducing economic disparities.
- Established major public sector enterprises to build India’s industrial base, such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Hindustan Steel.
Focus on Education and Scientific Development
- Founded institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
- Promoted scientific research by establishing the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Atomic Energy Commission.
- Introduced free primary education and emphasized the role of education in national development.
Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment
- Championed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating neutrality during the Cold War.
- Played a pivotal role in the Bandung Conference of 1955, uniting newly independent countries against colonialism and imperialism.
- Promoted global peace and disarmament through diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.
Social and Cultural Contributions
- Advocated for secularism, promoting unity in India’s diverse religious and cultural fabric.
- Encouraged land reforms to reduce inequality and empower rural populations.
- Promoted gender equality by supporting progressive laws on women’s rights.
Global Solidarity
- Acted as a voice for the Third World, building alliances with other decolonized nations to address global inequalities.
- Worked towards poverty eradication and social justice both within and beyond India.
Legacy
- Nehru’s leadership set the foundation for modern India’s democratic, scientific, and economic growth.
- His contributions continue to shape India’s development trajectory and global standing.
| Practice Question: Discuss the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru in shaping post-independence India, focusing on his policies in the fields of democracy, economic development, and foreign relations. How did his vision influence India’s global standing? (250 Words /15 marks) |
