Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the great leader of the Indian freedom struggle and the first Prime Minister of the Republic of India. He was born on November 14, 1889 in Allahabad and his contribution to Indian politics, society and culture is incomparable. His birthday is celebrated every year on November 14 as Children’s Day. However, many myths and rumors have often been spread about his life and work. Let us know the truth of 10 major things spread about Pandit Nehru:
- Nehru accepted the partition of India
Myth: Many people believe that Pandit Nehru accepted the partition of India and had weak views on Pakistan during the partition.
Truth: Pandit Nehru felt great sorrow and resentment about the partition. Although many attempts were made to avert the partition, the partition eventually happened. Nehru always fought for the integrity and unity of India and played an important role in the creation of a new nation after the partition.
- Nehru undermined the importance of education
Myth: Some people believe that Pandit Nehru did not give importance to education and his focus was only on politics and administration.
Truth: Pandit Nehru always gave priority to education. He took many steps to improve the Indian education system. He believed that the future of the country will be bright only through education. He laid the foundation of institutions like Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
- Nehru did not deal with Pakistan strictly
Myth: Some people say that Pandit Nehru did not take strong steps against Pakistan and was very soft with them.
Truth: Pandit Nehru took many strong steps against Pakistan, especially on the Kashmir issue. After the Pakistani invasion of Kashmir in 1947, Nehru raised the issue of Kashmir all over the world. Although he always preferred the path of peace and dialogue, there was constant conflict with Pakistan.
- Nehru’s politics was limited to the family only
Myth: It is believed that Pandit Nehru’s politics was only for his family and he appointed only his family members to important positions.
Truth: Pandit Nehru built many institutions to strengthen Indian democracy and established India as a strong republic. He kept the Indian people at the center, not just his family. Many steps were taken in his policies for the upliftment of the poor, women and Dalits.
- Nehru did not make any effort for peace after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination
Myth: Some people say that Pandit Nehru did not take any steps to establish peace after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
Truth: After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru made many efforts to maintain peace and harmony in Indian society. He gave speeches to unite the country and took strict steps to stop religious frenzy. His ideals were always based on non-violence and goodwill of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Nehru was highly inclined towards foreign policies
Myth: It is said that Pandit Nehru completely turned Indian foreign policy in favour of Western countries.
Truth: Pandit Nehru’s foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment movement, which aimed to keep India out of the influence of any superpower. He made an independent and impartial foreign policy for the independence, integrity and security of India. He tried to build good relations with China, but his attitude changed after the war in 1962.
- Nehru ignored the traditional cultures of India
Myth: There is a misconception that Pandit Nehru ignored Indian traditional culture and religious practices.
Truth: Pandit Nehru always respected the rich history and traditions of Indian culture. However, he also felt that innovation in science and technology was necessary for the country to move towards development and prosperity. His focus was on the social and economic development of Indian society, but this was not without incorporating Indian culture into his thoughts.
- Nehru solved all problems in his own way and ignored the opposition
Myth: It is believed that Nehru always solved problems in his own way and ignored the opposition.
Truth: Opposition parties raised their voices many times during Nehru’s reign, and Nehru tried to listen to and understand their views. Though there were criticisms about his approach many times, he always respected the democratic process and opposition views.
- Nehru weakened the secularism of Indian society
Myth: It is also said that Pandit Nehru weakened the secularism of Indian society.
Truth: Pandit Nehru always promoted secularism and respected religious diversity in Indian society. He included secularism in the Constitution and ensured that every religion gets equal rights in India. It was due to his efforts that the foundation of religious freedom in India was strengthened.
- Nehru’s contribution was limited only to politics
Myth: It is believed that Pandit Nehru’s contribution was limited only to politics and he had no contribution in other fields.
Truth: Pandit Nehru’s contribution was in politics as well as social, cultural and scientific development. He established many institutions for the progress of India in science and technology and encouraged Indian culture and literature. His vision was always the overall development of the society and not limited to politics alone.
Pandit Nehru remains an inspiration in Indian politics and society. To understand the truth of his policies, ideas and contributions, we must avoid rumours and myths that misrepresent his work. The right way to honour his contributions on November 14 is to understand his real work and vision.