51 years have passed by 27th May 2015 after the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. As the First Prime Minster of India, he had to face many critical issues concerning the governance, the political legacy, international connections and so on. Some times it was felt that he was a socialist, but some other time he was almost a dictator. It was only natural since he was almost the undisputed leader.

The latest disclosure that he kept an intelligence watch on Subhas Chandra Bose and  his family etc. has opened a new debate on his role.

Although not connected with the assessment of Nehru or his government, I may narrate a small incident, when I could meet Prime Minister Nehru. He was visiting Tellicherry and a public meeting was arranged. It was in 1956 or ’57.  The security, black cats, Z category etc. were not at that time. I was working as a Teacher. I wanted to meet Nehru and get his autograph since I used collect such autographs. I tried to go near him, but the party leaders were not allowing. I had a small camera with me. (It was very rare for people to have camera during those periods. This was a camera gifted to me by a German pen friend. ) I pretended to be a press person and with the camera started taking photos. This way I could go near Nehru and get his autograph. When asked for the autograph he signed in the book smilingly.

There is no doubt that Jawaharlal Nehru was a charming personality. Probably, he was the best person to lead the country at that time. We can leave it to the historians to assess the same.

However ” Chacha Nehru” was a hero of the children. At the same time we had the unforgettable experience of the 1960 strike which was suppressed by the Prime Minister calling it “Civil Rebellion” and using all the brute powers of  the government. That also is part of history.

My respectful homage to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 51st death anniversary.

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