Jawaharlal Nehru Biography | Poet

Jawaharlal Nehru, also known as Pandit Nehru, was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence and the first Prime Minister of independent India. However, not many know that he was also a talented poet who used his words to express his thoughts and emotions.

Early Years and Inspiration

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, India. He was the eldest son of Motilal Nehru, a prominent lawyer and leader in the Indian National Congress. Nehru's early education was in English, and he was sent to England for further studies at the age of 15. It was during his time in England that he was exposed to the works of English poets like William Wordsworth, John Keats, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Nehru's love for poetry was ignited by his father, who was also a poet and encouraged his son to write. Nehru's early poems were influenced by the romanticism of English poetry, and he often wrote about nature, love, and patriotism.

The Influence of Mahatma Gandhi

In 1915, Nehru returned to India and joined the Indian National Congress, where he met Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance and his leadership in the freedom struggle had a profound impact on Nehru. He started writing poems that reflected his political beliefs and his admiration for Gandhi.

Nehru's poems during this time were a mix of romanticism and patriotism, and he often used his words to inspire and motivate people to join the freedom struggle. His poems were published in various newspapers and magazines, and he gained recognition as a poet among his peers.

The Struggle for Independence and Nehru's Poetic Voice

As India's struggle for independence intensified, Nehru's poetry took a more political tone. He wrote about the injustices faced by the Indian people under British rule and called for unity and resistance against the oppressors. His poems were a powerful tool in spreading the message of freedom and inspiring people to join the movement.

The Role of Poetry in the Freedom Struggle

Poetry played a significant role in India's freedom struggle, and Nehru's poems were among the most influential. His words resonated with the people and gave them hope and courage to fight for their rights. Nehru's poems were often recited at public gatherings and used as slogans during protests and marches.

One of his most famous poems, "The Call to Freedom," was written in 1921 and became the anthem of the Indian National Congress. It was a call to action for the Indian people to rise up against British rule and fight for their independence.

Nehru's Evolution as a Poet

As Nehru's involvement in the freedom struggle increased, so did his poetic voice. He started experimenting with different forms of poetry, including sonnets, ballads, and free verse. His poems became more political and reflected the changing times and the challenges faced by the Indian people.

The Influence of Indian Culture and Tradition

Nehru's poems also started to reflect his love for Indian culture and tradition. He was deeply influenced by the works of Indian poets like Rabindranath Tagore and Sarojini Naidu. He incorporated elements of Indian mythology and folklore into his poems, giving them a unique Indian touch.

Nehru's poem "The Lotus" is a beautiful example of this fusion of Indian culture and poetry. It is a tribute to the lotus, a symbol of purity and beauty in Indian culture, and also a metaphor for the struggle for independence.

Post-Independence and Nehru's Legacy as a Poet

In 1947, India gained its independence, and Nehru became the first Prime Minister of the country. However, his love for poetry never waned, and he continued to write throughout his life. His poems during this time reflected his vision for a new India and his hopes for a better future for its people.

The Nehruvian Era and the Influence of Nehru's Poetry

Nehru's legacy as a poet continued even after his death in 1964. His poems were included in school textbooks, and his words were often quoted by politicians and leaders. The Nehruvian era, named after him, was a time of great social and economic change in India, and his poems were a source of inspiration for the people.

The Value of Nehru's Poems Today

Today, Nehru's poems are still relevant and hold great value. They are a reminder of India's struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by its people. They also serve as a reminder of the power of words and how they can be used to inspire and bring about change.

The Jawaharlal Nehru 1889 Coin Value

In 1989, on the occasion of Nehru's birth centenary, the Reserve Bank of India issued a commemorative coin in his honor. The coin, with a face value of 5 rupees, features Nehru's portrait on one side and his birth and death years on the other. Today, this coin holds a special value for collectors and is a reminder of Nehru's contribution to India's history.

Jawaharlal Nehru's journey as a poet is a testament to his love for words and his passion for his country. His poems continue to inspire and resonate with people, and his legacy as a poet lives on. As we celebrate his birth anniversary, let us remember Nehru not just as a leader and statesman but also as a talented poet who used his words to bring about change and inspire a nation.