Nehru: Freedom Is The Inalienable Right

Remember the times when you eagerly waited for Children’s day. It was very special to us, not only because we would get free chocolates , it felt much more than that. To have a special recognition on this day, special treatment, all smiles around, to know that we have one day exclusively for us was no less than a phenomenal feeling. Every year when the calendar shows 14^th of November we get nostalgic with the joyous memories.

The man, who was a prominent figure for India’s independence, left behind a special day for us. On this children’s day let’s remember him and all his sacrifices and good deeds for the better today.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Independent India’s first Prime Minister (Aug 15, 1947 – May 27, 1964)

• Nehru dominated Indian politics during the 1930s.

• He is referred to as the ‘Architect of Modern India’.

• His birthday, the 14^th November is celebrated as Children’s Day across the country and he is fondly addressed as “Chacha Nehru”

• Even to this day his style is emulated with ‘Nehru Jackets’ and ‘Nehru Caps’ (He wasn’t an icon in just political sector but was also in fashion  :) )

UNTOLD STORIES

• “Sheltered and uneventful” childhood

Nehru grew up in a wealthy family which provided him with all facilities. He himself has described his childhood as “sheltered and uneventful one.”

A well educated Nehru studied natural sciences and later law, passed the bar examination and practiced law for some time.

• An event which woke him up

While Nehru was traveling in train, he overhead British officer gloating over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre which resulted in more than 370 deaths and 1200 injuries. The truth hearing brought a major influence in Nehru’s life and changed his course of life.

• Life’s Question

When he was in India practicing law as a barrister he was constantly haunted by the life’s question on “What was he doing here?”This eventually led him to meet Mahatma Gandhi.

• Imprisonment of more than 9 years

Over the period of 24 years, he served 9 sentences, summing up to more than 9 years of imprisonment.

• A belief that strengthed India

Nehru’s four pillars of domestic policies were democracy, socialism, unity, and secularism, and he largely succeeded in maintaining a strong foundation of all four during his tenure as congress president

• 4 assassination attempts, yet the spirit never faded

There are 4 assassination attempts on Nehru which came into light. Despite threats to his life, Nehru disliked having too much security around him. The purpose of his life was much more than living for oneself.

NEHRU DRAFT OF INDIAN DECLARATION  OF INDEPENDENCE

When I read this, I badly wanted to share this with you all.

“We believe that it is the inalienable right of the Indian people, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth. We believe also that if any government deprives a people of these rights and oppresses them the people have a further right to alter it or abolish it. The British government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and spiritually. We believe therefore, that India must sever the British connection and attain Purna Swaraj or complete independence.”

NEHRU INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

• Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism; the way you play it is free will.

• Evil unchecked grows, evil tolerated poisons the whole system.

• The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.

• What we really are matters more than what other people think of us.

• We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.

• Loyal and efficient work in a great cause, even though it may not be immediately recognized, ultimately bears fruit.

• There is perhaps nothing so bad and so dangerous in life as fear.

• Without that passion and urge, there is a gradual oozing out of hope and vitality, a settling down on lower levels of existence, a slow merging into non-existence. We become prisoners of the past and some part of its immobility sticks to us.

• We have all become wayfarers and travelers marching on and on ….Yet,for those who can adapt themselves to this continuous journeying,there is no regret and they would not have it otherwise.A return to the dull uneventful past is unthinkable.

• Obviously, the highest type of efficiency is that which can utilize existing material to the best advantage.

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