The Nehru Blog

A Tryst with Destiny

India not to Align with Power Blocs

April 19, 1949

Jawaharlal Nehru’s address to journalists, Bombay, 19 April 1949. I have always sought the goodwill, affection and cooperation of the Indian people and always obtained it in a generous and abundant measure. If I have achieved anything in life, it is because of that affection and goodwill. I feel now that at no time this…
Need for All to Work Together

April 19, 1949

Statement to the press. New Delhi, 19 April 1949. On the eve of my departure [1] undertaking a long journey and going out of the country, I should like to say a few words to the refugees or the displaced persons in India. Their lot has been a hard one and no problem has given…
The Gandhian Approach to the Language Problem

April 18, 1949

Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech on laying the foundation stone of Central Institute of Education, Delhi University, 18 April 1949. Although I have to make preparations for my journey to London, I felt it necessary to be present here on this occasion in view of the importance of the work for which this Institute is meant. Sometimes, doubts assail me…
India Belongs to its Citizens

April 17, 1949

Message to Jamiat-ul-Ulema-i-Hind Conference, 17 April 1949. I am convinced that the measure of India’s progress will be the measure of our giving full effect to what has been called a secular State. That, of course, does not mean a people lacking morals or religion. It means that while religion is completely free, the State,…
India Belongs to its Citizens

April 17, 1949

Message to Jamiat-ul-Ulema-i-Hind Conference, 17 April 1949. I am convinced that the measure of India’s progress will be the measure of our giving full effect to what has been called a secular State. That, of course, does not mean a people lacking morals or religion. It means that while religion is completely free, the State,…
Facing the Future

April 9, 1949

Jawaharlal Nehru’s address to the students of Delhi University, 9 April 1949. I like addressing students because I am eager to find out what sort of persons they are. Despite the revolutionary changes which have occurred, I hope they feel themselves strong enough to face anything the future holds in store for them. We have…
Science and Progress

April 3, 1949

Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech at the foundation of the Palaeobotany Institute at Lucknow, 3 April 1949. Science, a scientific approach to problems and a scientific outlook, have to be developed if India has to progress in the modern world. Science is a search for truth. It is a rational method of looking at things in their…
Shun the Narrow Outlook

April 2, 1949

Jawaharlal Nehru’s address to Bihar Political Conference, Muzaffarpur, 2 April 1949. The people of India should realize their responsibilities in the new set up of independent India and never indulge in narrow outlook. The R.S.S., particularly took up from narrow communalism its slogans and principles which always had been responsible for the downfall of India.…

Jawaharlal will be my successor…

Do not please go away with the idea that there is a rift in the Congress. The working committee has worked like members of a happy family. Somebody suggested that Pandit Jawaharlal and I were estranged. It will require much more than the differences of opinion to estrange us.

We have had differences from the moment we became co-workers, and yet I have said for some years and say now that not Rajaji but Jawaharlal will be my successor.

He says he does not understand my language, and that he speaks a language foreign to me. This may or may not be true. But language is no bar to a union of hearts. And I know this that when I am gone, he will speak my language.

Mahatma Gandhi, AICC Meet, Wardha, 1942