History Today: When India's first PM Pandit Nehru was born

One hundred and thirty-six years ago, on November 14, 1889, India’s first prime minister was born. An icon of politics, with a significant contribution to India’s Independence and progress. His story often extends beyond the pages of history books. A man with a soft corner for children, he usually referred to them as “the most precious resource” of the nation.  

Presenting the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, known for his affection towards kids. Children’s Day falls on November 14, marking the birth anniversary of Nehru.  

His birthday is celebrated as “Bal Diwas” to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the better lives of its young citizens.

In this edition of Firstpost’s ongoing series of History Today, we remember “Chacha Nehru” on his 136th birth anniversary.    

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The birth of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru was born in Allahabad. He was the son of a lawyer whose family was originally from Kashmir. Nehru studied law at the Inner Temple in London, and after finishing his law studies, he returned to India in 1912.

He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1919, fighting for independence against British rule. And in 1929, he was elected as the president of the Congress.  

On August 15, 1947, Nehru became the first prime minister of independent India.

Now, when we talk about our first prime minister, it is essential to highlight the relatable side of an individual who was popularly remembered as “Chacha Nehru."  

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Nehru was considered a great advocate for children’s rights. He often batted for an all-inclusive education system where knowledge is accessible to everyone  

“Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured. They happen to be the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow,” these are the exact words of Chacha Nehru, who was immensely loved among kids.  

There are fascinating facts linked to why Children’s Day is celebrated on Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday.

Previously, the date of Children’s Day celebration in India was on November 20, the same day ‘World Children’s Day’ was celebrated globally by the United Nations (UN).    

However, after the demise of Pandit Nehru in 1964, the parliament issued a resolution to establish his birthday as the official Children’s Day in the nation. Since then, India celebrates Children’s Day on the same day his birthday falls.  

The day is also called ‘Bal Diwas’ in the country.

Even Nehru’s clothing style was a cultural icon. Do you know his favourite style of jacket and sherwani emerged as what is still popularly called the “Nehru Jacket”

His timeless fashion trend inspired many leaders worldwide.  

No one has yet been able to overshadow Nehru’s accomplishments in politics. Today, on this day, multiple events are organised across the nation to celebrate the birth anniversary of a man who was the epitome of pluralism.  

The Dow at 1000 units: A milestone in making

It was a milestone 76 years in the making when on November 14, 1972, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reached 1,000 units for the first time in its history.  

The index had surpassed 100 in 1906, 300 in 1928, 500 in 1956, 700 in 1961 and 900 in 1965. However, in November 1972, it closed at 1,003.16 units, giving hope to investors about the state of American business.  

Back then, Richard Nixon was reelected president, the economy was growing, and corporate profits were surging.  

On the day the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed the 1,000 mark, a total volume of 20.2 million shares was traded.

From that date in 1972, when it first surpassed 1,000 units, it would take the index more than 14 years to cross the 2,000 point milestone, which it did on January 8, 1987.  

The Launch of Apollo 12

On this day, the Apollo 12 Command Module was launched carrying Commander Charles “Pete” Conrad, Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon, and Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean. And five days later, the mission made the second landing on the moon.  

This history examines the significant number of Navy astronauts in the success of Nasa’s missions.  

Apollo 12 successfully returned to Earth on November 24, splashing down only three miles from one of its retrieval ships, the USS Hornet.