On the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, which is also celebrated as Children's Day, we take a look into the life of the freedom fighter through a collection of vintage photos from his life and career. Pics/mid-day Archives and AFP
Updated On: 2019-05-27 08:00 AM IST
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India was born on November 14, 1889, to father statesman Motilal Nehru and mother Swaruprani Thussu in Allahabad, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. He was the eldest of three children, with two younger sisters; the first woman president of the United Nations Vijaylakshmi Pandit and author Krishna Nehru Hutheesing.
In this photo, he is seen with a cricket bat, curiously watching a match.
Nehru, who was also known as 'Chacha Nehru' was said to be fond of children. He was also known for his work for education, welfare and development of the children and youth. He is credited for establishing educational institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Management.
In this rare photo, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru greets children on his birthday.
In this rare photo, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru greets children on his birthday.
The Congress leader is also known for his style. His signature Nehru jacket has always made a fashion statement and is popular even today.
Mahatma Gandhi (R) sits with Jawaharlal Nehru, during a Congress Party meeting in Mumbai (then Bombay), August 9, 1942.
Mahatma Gandhi (R) sits with Jawaharlal Nehru, during a Congress Party meeting in Mumbai (then Bombay), August 9, 1942.
Former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visits physicist Albert Einstein at Princeton University November 8, 1949.
Former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visits physicist Albert Einstein at Princeton University November 8, 1949.
He also established the National Book Trust and National Literary Academy that promoted translation of regional literature in other languages.
Nehru completed his graduation from Trinity College in Cambridge and the Inner Temple, where he studied law and trained to become a barrister. After returning to India, he practiced in the Allahabad High Court, before entering politics.
File photo from the mid-1950s showing the heads of state co-founder (with Tito and Yugoslav Indonesian Suharto) of the Non-Aligned States at the Water Festival in Myanmar.
File photo from the mid-1950s showing the heads of state co-founder (with Tito and Yugoslav Indonesian Suharto) of the Non-Aligned States at the Water Festival in Myanmar.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in conversation with Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in conversation with Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
Jawaharlal Nehru launches a dove as a symbol of peace, November 18, 1954 during a huge demonstration held in honour of his 65th anniversary at the New Delhi stadium.
Jawaharlal Nehru launches a dove as a symbol of peace, November 18, 1954 during a huge demonstration held in honour of his 65th anniversary at the New Delhi stadium.
From left: French Premier Georges Pompidou, Yvonne de Gaulle, Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, French President General Charles de Gaulle, Indira Gandhi and Claude Pompidou, pose for the media on September 22, 1962 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
From left: French Premier Georges Pompidou, Yvonne de Gaulle, Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, French President General Charles de Gaulle, Indira Gandhi and Claude Pompidou, pose for the media on September 22, 1962 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Indian prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in official visit in China, shakes hand with Chinese president Mao Zedong, October 12, 1954 in Beijing.
Indian prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in official visit in China, shakes hand with Chinese president Mao Zedong, October 12, 1954 in Beijing.
Apart from being a statesman, he was also a writer with books such as The Discovery of India, Glimpse of World History and his autobiography Toward Freedom under his name.
Nehru was awarded Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1955 by then-president Rajendra Prasad.
He also published 30 letters he wrote to his daughter Indira in a book titled 'Letters from a Father to his Daughter.
French president Rene Coty welcomes Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru July 17, 1956 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
French president Rene Coty welcomes Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru July 17, 1956 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
One of his most popular quote says, "If any people choose to think of me, then I should like them to say: "This was the man who, with all his mind and heart, loved India and the Indian people. And they, in turn, were indulgent to him and gave him of their love most abundantly and extravagantly."
Yugoslav President Marshal Josip Broz, better known as Tito (R) shares a moment with Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser (L) and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (C) in July 1956 at Brioni Island during a Non-Aligned Movement summit
Yugoslav President Marshal Josip Broz, better known as Tito (R) shares a moment with Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser (L) and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (C) in July 1956 at Brioni Island during a Non-Aligned Movement summit
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and US president Harry Truman wave to journalists upon the arrival on the Washington airport of the Indian Government chief on October 13, 1949.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and US president Harry Truman wave to journalists upon the arrival on the Washington airport of the Indian Government chief on October 13, 1949.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in official visit in France talks with his daughter Indira Gandhi on July 17, 1956 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in official visit in France talks with his daughter Indira Gandhi on July 17, 1956 at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Jawaharlal Nehru talks with Lady Mountbatten during a display given by the New Delhi Glider Club, 27 February 1959.
