Who was the First Prime Minister of India?

India got its freedom from British rule on 15th August 1947. After independence, the country needed a strong leader to guide it on the path of progress and development. A great leader was chosen to become the first Prime Minister of India. He played an important role in shaping the nation’s future, helping build schools, industries and modern ideas for a better tomorrow.

Who is the Prime Minister?

Prime Minister is the head of the government, whose powers are largely nominal and ceremonial. He is appointed by the President generally for the term of 5 years. The political party who wins a general election, the leader of that political party is appointed as the Prime Minister of India. Effective executive powers rest with the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minster acts as a leader of the house of chamber of Parliament, generally the Lok Sabha. In this role, the Prime Minster is tasked with representing the executive inn the legislature.

Functions of a Prime Minister

• Head of Government: Leads the executive branch of government.
• Policy Formulation: Develops and implements national policies.
• Cabinet Leader: Chairs cabinet meetings and coordinates government departments.
• Legislative Role: Presents bills and policies to parliament.
• Foreign Affairs: Represents the country in international relations.
• Crisis Management: Handles emergencies and national crises.
• Public Representative: Communicates government decisions to the public.
• Advisor to the Head of State: Offers counsel to the monarch or president.

Who was the First Prime Minister of India?

Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India. He played a big role in India’s freedom struggle and was a chose follower of Mahatma Gandhi. People knew him as “Chacha Nehru” because of his love for children. He was a strong leader who helped shape modern India.

Key Details of Jawaharlal Nehru

• Birth date: 14^th November 1889
• Birth place: Allahabad, North- Western Provinces, British India
• Parents: Motilal Nehru, Swarup Rani Nehru
• Death: 27^th May, 1964 at New Delhi, India

Early Life and Education of Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) into a rich family. His father, Motilal Nehru, was also a well-known political leader. His mother’s name was Swarup Rani Thussu.

He had two younger sisters. Vijay Laxmi Pandit, one of them, later became the President of the United Nations General Assembly. The other sister, Krishna Hutheesing, was a writer.

Nehru was taught by private tutors at home. He was influenced by his tutor. Ferdinand T. Brooks and later by Annie Besant who introduced him to the Theosophical Society.

Jawaharlal Nehru as 1^st Prime Minster of India

Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of Independent India on August 15, 1947. As Prime Minister of India, he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s policies and governance. Nehru’s leadership focused on nation- building, socio-economic reforms and promoting secularism and democracy. He championed industrialization, agrarian reforms and the establishments of institutions like the Planning Commission. Nehru’s foreign policy emphasized non-alignment and peaceful coexistence. However, his tenure faced challenges including the integration of princely states, conflicts with Pakistan and the Indo-China border dispute. Despite these challenges, Nehru’s visionary leadership laid the foundation for India’s growth as a modern, democratic nation. He served as Prime Minister for the consecutive 17 years until his death on 27^th May 1964.

Major Contributions of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru made many important contributions to India. He worked for freedom, supported education, women’s rights and helped build a strong and modern nation. Here are some of his major contributions:

Freedom Fighter

After coming back to India, Nehru joined the Indian National Congress in 1912. He started supporting Mahatma Gandhi and worked in movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and Salt Satyagraha (1930). He was also jailed many times for raising his voice against British rule.

Leading India After Independence

After India became free in 1947, Nehru worked hard to build a new India. He wanted to make India strong in science, education and industry. He also helped in forming a strong democracy.

Hindu Code Bills

Nehru helped bring laws to give more rights to women. These laws included:

• Ending polygamy (more than one wife)
• Making divorce rules
• Allowing girls to be adopted
• Giving daughters equal rights in family property.

First General Elections in 1952

After the Constitution was ready in 1950, India held its first general elections in 1952. Under Nehru’s leadership, the Congress party won the elections and formed the government.

Awards presented to First Prime Minster: Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, received several prestigious awards, these are:

• Bharat Ratna in 1955
• Lenin Peace Prize in 1955
• Order of the Yugolsav Star in 1954
• An award was also named after him, Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, established in 1965.

Institutions named after 1^st Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru

Several colleges and institutions named after him. Some of these are as follows:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
• Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University
• Jawaharlal Nehru College of Engineering