Jawaharlal Nehru

Definition

Jawaharlal Nehru was an Indian independence activist and, subsequently, the first Prime Minister of India.

Analogy

Think of Nehru as the captain of a newly formed sports team. After gaining independence (forming the team), he had to lead his country (team) through its early years and set it on the right path.

Related terms

Non-Aligned Movement: An international organization founded by Nehru and other leaders during the Cold War that aimed to create an independent path for states in a world divided between two superpowers.

Five-Year Plans: Economic strategies used by many countries to regulate their economies. As prime minister, Nehru implemented several Five-Year Plans to develop India's economy.

Secularism: The principle of separation of government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. As a secular leader, Nehru promoted religious tolerance in India.