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Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography, Volume 1956-1964

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Published in Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography Volume 3 1956 1964

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Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India, serving from 1947 until his death in 1964. He was a central figure in the Indian independence movement and played a key role in shaping the country's foreign policy and economic development. Nehru was a prolific writer and speaker, and his speeches and writings provide a valuable insight into his thoughts and ideas.

Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography Volume 3 1956-1964

by Sarvepalli Gopal

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	336 pages

This volume of Nehru's biography covers the period from 1956 to 1964. This was a time of great change and challenge for India. The country was facing the challenges of economic development, social reform, and political integration. Nehru's leadership was essential in guiding the country through these challenges and laying the foundations for a modern, democratic India.

India's Economic Development

One of Nehru's main priorities was India's economic development. He believed that a strong economy was essential for the country's progress and that the government had a role to play in promoting economic growth. Nehru oversaw the development of India's first Five-Year Plan, which was launched in 1951. The plan focused on developing the country's infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. Nehru also encouraged the development of the public sector, which he believed could play a key role in the country's economic development.

Under Nehru's leadership, India's economy grew rapidly. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by an average of 4% per year during the 1950s and 1960s. This growth was driven by a number of factors, including the expansion of the public sector, the development of new industries, and the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Nehru's economic policies helped to lay the foundation for India's continued economic growth in the decades that followed.

Social Reform

Nehru was also a strong advocate for social reform. He believed that India needed to modernize its social system and that the government had a role to play in promoting social justice. Nehru oversaw the implementation of a number of social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability, the of universal adult suffrage, and the establishment of a national health service.

Nehru's social reforms helped to improve the lives of millions of Indians. The abolition of untouchability ended the centuries-old practice of discrimination against Dalits, or "untouchables." The of universal adult suffrage gave all Indians the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender. The establishment of a national health service provided affordable healthcare to millions of Indians who had previously been unable to afford it.

Political Integration

One of Nehru's most important challenges was the integration of India's diverse population. India is a vast country with a long history of linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity. Nehru believed that it was essential to find a way to unite these diverse groups into a single nation. He oversaw the creation of a new constitution that guaranteed the rights of all Indians, regardless of their background.

Nehru also worked to promote national unity through his speeches and writings. He called for Indians to put aside their differences and work together to build a better future for their country. Nehru's message of unity resonated with millions of Indians, and he played a key role in preventing India from fragmenting along linguistic, religious, and cultural lines.

Foreign Policy

Nehru was a prominent figure on the world stage and played a key role in shaping India's foreign policy. He was a strong advocate for non-alignment, which he believed was the best way to maintain India's independence and sovereignty. Nehru also played a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement, which was a group of countries that refused to align themselves with either the Western or Eastern blocs.

Nehru's foreign policy was guided by a number of principles, including:

Non-alignment
Peaceful coexistence
Respect for international law
Promotion of economic development

Nehru's foreign policy was successful in maintaining India's independence and sovereignty. India was able to avoid being drawn into the Cold War and maintain a position of neutrality between the two superpowers. Nehru also played a key role in the development of the Non-Aligned Movement, which became a major force in international politics.

Legacy

Jawaharlal Nehru was a towering figure in Indian history. He was the first Prime Minister of India and played a key role in shaping the country's foreign policy and economic development. Nehru was also a strong advocate for social reform and national unity. His legacy continues to inspire millions of Indians today.

Nehru's biography is a valuable resource for understanding his life and work. This volume of the biography covers the period from 1956 to 1964, which was a time of great change and challenge for India. Nehru's leadership was essential in guiding the country through these challenges and laying the foundations for a modern, democratic India.

Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography Volume 3 1956-1964

by Sarvepalli Gopal

4.6 out of 5