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November 14: Nehru’s Birthday

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Jawaharlal Nehru – The Man As I Knew Him

Sri Prakasa

( The writer is a freedom fighter and contemporary of Nehru who wrote this article in the year 1965 . We pulled it out from our archives to publish on Nehru’s 135th birthday –Editor)

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New Delhi | Thursday | 14 November 2024

It has been a year since the passing of Jawaharlal Nehru, one of India’s last prominent leaders from the freedom movement. Nehru played an instrumental role in securing and consolidating India's independence, facing immense challenges along the way. As time passes, memories fade, and people often forget even the most pivotal events and figures. Yet, in India, there’s a tendency to elevate notable personalities to near-mythical status, turning individuals into symbols of reverence and respect.

This transformation of people into legends is common, with admirers often attributing supernatural powers to them, creating a halo around their memory. Mahatma Gandhi was well aware of this and actively tried to avoid becoming a religious figure. He frequently changed his place of residence to avoid deification and insisted he was simply a man who worked toward freedom and justice. Gandhi’s decision to distance himself from any one place or ritual shows his reluctance to be immortalized in ways that would overshadow his message.

Following Gandhi, Nehru emerged as a towering figure in Indian politics and governance. Unlike Gandhi, however, Nehru didn’t cultivate a close group of devoted followers who would elevate his status. He preferred working independently, and while his leadership was admired, he did not attract the same kind of personal devotion Gandhi did. People respected Nehru’s intellect, vision, and contributions, yet he remained somewhat aloof, without the immediate entourage many other leaders had. Even Mahatma Gandhi recognized this unique aspect of Nehru’s personality, once remarking that while Nehru preferred to work alone, it might have served him well to have a dedicated group by his side.

 

Article at a Glance

A year after Jawaharlal Nehru's passing, India reflects on the legacy of one of its key leaders from the freedom movement. Nehru played a pivotal role in securing India's independence, yet his approach to leadership differed from that of contemporaries like Mahatma Gandhi.

While Gandhi sought to avoid deification, Nehru maintained a more independent and somewhat aloof persona, earning respect for his intellect and vision without attracting a devoted following.

Nehru's simplicity, humility, and trustworthiness endeared him to people from all walks of life. Known for his courage, he faced challenges head-on and stood firm in his beliefs. Today, while memorials honor his memory, the true homage lies in embodying the values he championed: integrity, responsibility, and fearlessness.

As India continues to evolve, embracing these virtues can help realize Nehru's vision for a progressive nation, ensuring that his legacy endures through the actions of its citizens.

 

After his death, many have written about Nehru’s legacy. He had become a legend in his own time, and even today, people want to learn more about his life and contributions. There is an ongoing interest in understanding the man behind the leader, not only because of his political accomplishments but also for the human qualities that made him relatable and inspirational.

One remarkable quality of Nehru was his simplicity and humility. Despite being a prominent global figure, he was down-to-earth and approachable. He was as comfortable in the company of world leaders as he was with ordinary citizens, children, and close associates. He could engage with anyone without a hint of arrogance, which endeared him to people across all walks of life. His simple, child-like nature was refreshing and inspired those around him. This is a quality that any individual can aspire to—being genuine, transparent, and unpretentious in every interaction.

Nehru was also deeply trustworthy. He was known to keep his promises and followed through on his commitments, whether big or small. This sense of responsibility and reliability made him a respected leader and trustworthy friend. His word was his bond, and he valued honesty and integrity in all his dealings. In India, where promises can sometimes be taken lightly, Nehru’s dependability stands out as a virtue that everyone can strive to embody. Trustworthiness and commitment are values that can positively shape society, and Nehru exemplified these in every aspect of his life.

One of Nehru's greatest strengths was his courage. He was fearless in his pursuit of what he believed to be right, often standing firm in the face of opposition. While many people are limited by fear—fear of judgment, fear of society’s reaction, or fear of consequences—Nehru demonstrated a boldness that was inspiring. He did not shy away from challenges or criticism, and he faced adversity head-on. His courage was not only in his actions but also in his principles, as he remained steadfast in his convictions even when they were unpopular. This fearlessness is another attribute that anyone can adopt, inspiring them to stand up for their beliefs.

Today, there are countless memorials and statues dedicated to Nehru across India. However, true homage to his legacy is found not in stone monuments but in the values he exemplified. Nehru stood for a vision of India filled with honest, courageous, and responsible citizens who were committed to the nation’s progress. He believed in the power of integrity and courage, and it is through embracing these values that his legacy will live on.

Every citizen who aspires to live truthfully, responsibly, and fearlessly represents the essence of Nehru. Praise and ceremonial respect are fleeting, but emulating his values creates lasting impact. On this anniversary of Nehru's passing, it is worth reflecting on the qualities that made him an exceptional leader. In doing so, we honour not only his memory but also his vision for a better India.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s influence is beyond his accomplishments; it is in the qualities he embodied as a leader and a human being. His simplicity, integrity, and courage remain as relevant today as they were in his time. By embracing these virtues, we can continue to build the nation he dreamed of and ensure that his legacy endures in the values we live by.

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