November 14th, 1989 marks the 10th birth annivarsary of Jawaharlal Nehru - India's first Prime Minister and the founder of almost all aspects of its modern growth. Jawaharlal Nehru was a multi-feceted personality. Loved by the people of India as a patriot and tireless fighter for freedom, he symbolised the newly emerging forces which have served to transform our age. Nehru was the foremost disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and translated the Mahatma's philosophy into a concrete plan of action for the independence of India. When this was achieved in 1947, Nehru served the nation for 17 years as its Prime Minister. This was the period when firm foundations were laid for the creation of Modern India. Nehru played a leading role in the reconstruction of the international scene in the post World War II period and was a tireless champion of progressive forces and peoples liberation movements through out the world. He gave to international politics the philosophy of non-alignment and international co-operation based on panch sheel.

Though modern and scientific in his outlok, he was a literary writer of great genius with an abiding understanding of the historical process. Jawaharlal Nehru was truly a remarkable role model for our current generation. Born to luxury he yet learnt the virtues of asceticism during his numerous imprisonments in the cause of the freedom struggle. Though he was educated abroad, he yet identified himself completely with the poor and down-trodden in his country.

A philosopher and idealist, he still embodied his vision for India in pragmatic terms and dreams translated into a practical charter of economic action. A humanist and democrat, Jawaharlal Nehru believed in the innate dignity and brotherhood of all mankind.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India