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Q What was the Political thought of Jawaharlal lal Nehru on State and Democracy.
Ans INTRODUCTION
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was a visionary leader whose
political thought was deeply influenced by his exposure to Western liberal ideas and the Indian
freedom struggle. He believed in a modern, secular, and democratic state as the foundation for
India's development. Nehru viewed the state as a critical instrument for ensuring social justice,
economic equality, and progress. His vision for India emphasized industrialization, scientific
advancement, and the eradication of poverty and inequality.
Nehru's approach to democracy was rooted in the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He
stressed the importance of parliamentary democracy, universal adult suffrage, and the active
participation of citizens in governance. For him, democracy was not just a political system but a way
of life that upheld human dignity and fostered diversity.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Ideas on the State
1. Nehru’s Vision for a Strong Central Government and Economic Planning

Jawaharlal Nehru believed that a strong central government was essential for India’s development.
He was influenced by socialism, especially after his visit to the Soviet Union in 1931. Nehru admired
how the Soviet Union used planned development to grow its economy and improve living standards.
Inspired by this, he introduced state-led industrialization and economic planning in India. In 1950, he
set up the Planning Commission, which created Five-Year Plans to focus on building industries,
creating jobs, and reducing poverty. These plans aimed to make India self-reliant and lay the
foundation for long-term growth.
2. Nehru’s Commitment to Secularism and Communal Harmony

Nehru was also deeply committed to secularism. He believed that the government should treat all
religions equally, without any bias. After Partition, when communal tensions were high, Nehru
worked hard to promote harmony and rebuild communities. His efforts in rebuilding India, where
many people were displaced due to Partition, showed his dedication to helping everyone, regardless
of religion.
3. Focus on Education and Scientific Progress

Education and science were also very important to Nehru. He believed that a modern India needed
educated people and technological progress. To achieve this, he established institutions like the
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in 1951. These institutions were designed to train skilled
workers and develop new technologies that could benefit the nation.
4. Nehru’s Vision for a Progressive and Self-Reliant India

Nehru’s speeches, such as the one he delivered on November 14, 1949, in the Constituent Assembly,
expressed his vision for India. He dreamed of a progressive, self-reliant country where the
government worked for the people’s welfare. He believed that with the right planning and policies,
India could overcome its challenges and become a prosperous nation.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Ideas on Democracy
1. Democracy as the Foundation for Unity and Equality

Jawaharlal Nehru believed that democracy was the foundation for uniting India’s diverse population
and achieving justice, freedom, and equality for all. He supported a parliamentary system modeled
on the British system, which was enshrined in the Indian Constitution adopted in 1950. Nehru
emphasized the principle of universal adult franchise, granting every citizen, regardless of caste,
gender, or religion, the right to vote. This became a reality during India’s first general elections in
1951-52, where over 173 million people participated, marking a historic moment as one of the
largest democratic exercises in the world.
2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions

Nehru strongly valued democratic institutions like Parliament, the judiciary, and a free press, seeing
them as the guardians of democracy. He supported freedom of speech and encouraged open
debates in Parliament, setting a standard for transparency and accountability in governance. He
often referred to Parliament as the temple of democracy, where the voices of the people could be
heard and respected.
3. Managing Diversity Through Tolerance and Inclusivity

Managing India’s vast diversity was a key challenge, and Nehru believed that democracy was
essential to this task. He urged for tolerance and inclusivity, emphasizing that unity could only be
achieved through respect for different cultures, religions, and languages. In his 1948 speech at
Aligarh Muslim University, he called for harmony and mutual understanding, highlighting the
importance of treating all citizens equally.
4. Economic Democracy for Social Justice

Nehru extended the principles of democracy to economic policies. Through the Five-Year Plans, he
worked to reduce inequalities by directing resources to marginalized communities, ensuring that the
benefits of development reached everyone. He believed economic justice was vital to making
democracy meaningful for the poor.

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Q What was the Political thought of Jawaharlal lal Nehru on State and Democracy.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Ideas on the State

1. Nehru’s Vision for a Strong Central Government and Economic Planning

2. Nehru’s Commitment to Secularism and Communal Harmony

3. Focus on Education and Scientific Progress

4. Nehru’s Vision for a Progressive and Self-Reliant India

1. Democracy as the Foundation for Unity and Equality

2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions

3. Managing Diversity Through Tolerance and Inclusivity

4. Economic Democracy for Social Justice

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