Why in News
On 27th May 2025, the Prime Minister paid homage to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary. Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, passed away on 27th May 1964 and is remembered for his foundational role in shaping modern India.
About Jawaharlal Nehru
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 14 November 1889, Prayagraj |
| Early Political Involvement | – Attended first Congress session in 1912 at Bankipore (Patna) – Joined Annie Besant’s Home Rule League in 1916 – Became Allahabad Secretary of the League in 1919 |
| Contribution | Details |
|---|---|
| Congress Leadership | – Congress President in 1929 Lahore session (Purna Swaraj Resolution) – Also presided over 1936 Lucknow and 1937 Faizpur sessions, advocating socialism |
| Policy Drafting | – Drafted Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy (1929–31), adopted at Karachi Session (1931) under Sardar Patel |
| Support to INA | Advocated legal defence for Indian National Army (INA) soldiers |
| 1946 Interim Government | Headed the Interim Government before independence |
Post-Independence Contributions
| Area | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| State Reorganisation | Set up the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953 |
| Economic Vision | Promoted industrialisation through Five-Year Plans |
| Foreign Policy | Founder of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) |
Honours & Legacy
| Category | Notable Mentions |
|---|---|
| Awards | Bharat Ratna (1955), World Peace Council Prize (Posthumously, 1970) |
| Books | The Discovery of India, An Autobiography, Glimpses of World History, Letters from a Father to His Daughter |
Prelims MCQs
- Consider the following statements about Jawaharlal Nehru:
- He presided over the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929.
- He headed the Home Rule League founded by Annie Besant.
- He played a key role in establishing the States Reorganisation Commission.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
- Which of the following sessions of the Indian National Congress was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru?
- Lahore Session, 1929
- Lucknow Session, 1936
- Karachi Session, 1931
Select the correct answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
- Which of the following works was authored by Jawaharlal Nehru?
- The Discovery of India
- India Wins Freedom
- Glimpses of World History
Select the correct answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
