• Dr. Shashi Kumar Singh, Ph.D, D. Litt

“Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a great democrat who contributed decisively in laying a strong foundation for Indian democracy and establishing democratic institutions. He was the biggest icon representing India during the formative years of Indian nationhood, yet he could not indulge even erroneously in any work which could even remotely be described as ‘Dictatorship’. Parliament which represents the voice of the people, multi-party system which promotes democracy, independent judiciary which ensures fair implementation of justice, free press which condemns and criticizes the wrong actions of the government, all these reflect Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his vision of a democratic India.

In the last decade of the twentieth century and the second and third decades of the twenty-first century, both the new and the old generations are gratefully remembering Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as a great statesman, thinker and architect of modern India. He was born on November 14, 1889, 132 years ago from today.

Pandit Nehru was not only a visionary assessing the historical incidences of his time deeply, but was the one who actively participated in them for higher achievements. The historians of the second half of the twentieth century and this century will not hesitate a bit in placing him among the top leaders of India, Asia and the world.

He is remembered with great reverence along with Mahatma Gandhi for playing a decisive role in the anti-imperialist struggle for the freedom of India. In the process, he had triggered a rigorous ripple effect in the Struggle for National Freedom in the countries of Asia and Africa including India. Pandit Nehru had given his whole-hearted moral, material and unitary support to the freedom fighters of the whole world. He emerged as an inspirational personality for the entire continent and was determined to end racism and colonialism.

Pandit Nehru played an effective role in uniting the progressive and peace-loving forces of his time. In 1947 itself, he had hosted the Asian-Relations-Conference. After a short time when many countries of Asia and Africa became independent, he emerged as the only hero of the Badung Conference of 1955. A historical conference of Afro-Asian countries took place in Badung and it was here that these countries declared that all the imperialist forces must go back. The emerging Afro-Asian countries also proclaimed the 10 principles that determined international relations and laid the basis for the unity of the Afro-Asian countries in the United Nations. In 1961, the first conference of non-aligned countries was held in Belgrade. This conference was possible on the initiative of Pandit Nehru of India, Nasir of Egypt and Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia. The movement of non-alignment emerged as a major force in the historical process. It was shaped by Pandit Nehru as an extension of freedom, peace and prosperity of newly independent countries.

The collective will and aspiration of the newly independent nations of the third world were realized in the movement of non-alignment. These developing countries demanded democratization of international relations and equality among all the small countries. These countries raised their voice for a complete ban on nuclear weapons (Disarmament), capable of genocide in the Commonwealth of Nations. Pandit Nehru thus played a decisive role in promoting the historical process of decolonization, disarmament and development in a democratic way. His did not have a narrow vision in this matter. He never raised his voice on issues of universal importance such as disarmament neither to keep Asia at the centre of it nor for the sole benefit of Afro-Asian countries. He used to think and behave on these matters with sensitivity to the needs at the global level. Keeping in mind the welfare of the entire human-race, he talked about adopting a comprehensive worldview.

When the world was watching the heroic exploits and daring steps of the son of India who was the Prime Minister for 17 years, a famous Russian writer Ilya Ehrenburg wrote - “When he came to power, a great nuclear alliance and a rich gift of military-partnership was laid in front of him, but instead of all, this he chose Peace and Panchsheel.

It was mentioned in this context by the then Editor of the National Herald, Chelapati Rao. Rao Saheb was a co-traveller of the first US visit by Pandit Nehru as Prime Minister. Chelapati Rao was asked at a press conference in Washington as to why Nehru Ji refused the US government’s offer of nuclear and military-security, Rao saheb replied instantly - “Forget about any such type of greed. Pandit Nehru can never be the Chiang Kai-shek of Asia.”

The ‘Discovery of India’ and ‘A glimpse of world history’ written by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru exemplify his love for all humanity. There is no mention of one religion, nation or continent in this. At the same time, his worldview does not fail to express his deep love for the Indian people and for its rich heritage. He never imposed internationalism on his patriotism and even told that the cultural diversity of India helps us to understand and appreciate the world in all its forms.

Pandit Nehru always said that all religions and communities in India will be given equal respect without any discrimination. He was totally against the disruptive and communal forces. He was a fearless supporter of secularism. He wanted all regional languages to flourish and he also wanted to include all popular words in them. He wanted Hindi and Urdu to fulfil the needs of the people without discord.

He showed farsightedness in the internal and external affairs of India and for this reason India’s image in foreign countries continued to flourish. He sent Vijayalakshmi Pandit to the first inaugural session of the United Nations Association and she was elected President in the very first session itself. India was the first nation to introduce a resolution against apartheid in the United Nations. India made similar first-moves in many areas only due to Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Right from the inception of the Constituent Assembly till the time the Constitutional Rights came into force, Nehru Ji continued to prepare India as an independent socialist, sovereign and secular nation, so that India could face the challenges of the New Age. He was engaged in this effort till his last breath. Future generations will continue to be inspired by him.

Here we can quote Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s slogan “Aaram Haram Hai” which defines him in totality. He often used to remind everyone of this slogan. “There is no resting place for us. We cannot rest because it will be unfair to those who have left or are leaving the torch of freedom in our hands to lead. It will be a cheating with the purpose which we considered as our goal and also with the purpose for which we are pledged. This will be a cheating with the lakhs of people who never take rest. We can’t take rest.”

(The author is the Chairman in the VicharVibhag of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee)