GS1/ GS3
Syllabus: Post-independence India, Economy: Infrastructure
Source: The Hindu
Direction: This editorial piece shows Nehru’s legacy. Can go through it once. No need to note it down.
Context: On the 75th anniversary, the author highlights J.L Nehrus’ legacy
In 1947, Nehru, as Prime Minister, inherited an India that was politically shattered, socially divided and emotionally devastated. Yet, he steered the country through those turbulent times and laid out the vision of a modern, progressive nation that quietly earned the respect of the global community.
Contributions:
- Prime Minister Nehru’s 17-year rule set the stage for momentum in the Indian economy (e.g. green revolution white revolution, digitization, telecommunication) and his management model became a template for many succeeding Prime Ministers.
- Nehru’s vision of India was anchored in a set of ideas such as democracy, secularism, inclusive economic growth, a free press and non-alignment in international affairs and also in institutions that would lay the foundation for India’s future growth.
The temples of modern India by Nehru:
- Bhakra-Nangal dam
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation (Indian Oil became the first Indian company to be listed in the Fortune 100, in 2014)
- National Library of India
- National Institute of Design.
- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) (now worth over the US $ 95 bn)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIM).
- Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Khadi and Village Industries Commission
- Modern city: Chandigarh
- Election Commission of India
- Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog)
- Cooperative movement (Amul is the largest milk producer in the world)
Conclusion:
Among the political leaders of the newly independent nations of the 20th century, Nehru stands out as a unique personality who combined intellectual stature with mass popularity.
Insta Links
Mains Link
Q. Critically analyse the rationale behind divestment and strategic sale of Public Sector Units (PSUs) and their possible macroeconomic impacts. (250 Words)
