One of the most admirable leaders of the Indian National Congress who led the nation to its freedom struggle in the early stages was Motilal Nehru, Freedom Fighter. He is also credited with the development of modern Indian politics as he was known to be a sharp-minded lawyer, strong in political values, and fearless in his stance against British rule. Taking a closer view of the Motilal Nehru biography, one can see how an effective lawyer took on the uphill task of serving the country at the expense of family and other small matters.
Table of Contents
Childhood and Schooling of Motilal Nehru.
Motilal Nehru was born on 6 May 1861 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in a family of Kashmiri Pandits. His father, Gangadhar Nehru, was a lawyer and subsequently Kotwal of Delhi. At a tender age, Motilal was brought up in a world that practised education and discipline.
His early education was at home, and he went to study law in England. Upon his return to India, he moved to Allahabad, where he started practising law at the Allahabad High Court. His ability to command the law enabled him to become one of the most successful lawyers in his time.
Elite Lawyer to National Leader
Motilal Nehru led a comfortable life during the early years. He dressed nicely, gave himself to Western practices, and had a good salary. But his attitude was gradually altered by the political situation in India.
The turning point was reached when he got in touch with Indian National Congress leaders such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale and then Mahatma Gandhi. By the second decade of the 20 th century, Motilal Nehru left his luxurious life behind and focused on the freedom movement.
The choice that he made surprised a lot of people, but it also made other people work towards putting the country first before their own interests.
Motilal Nehru and the Indian National Congress
Motilal Nehru was one of the most vigorous leaders of the Indian National Congress who appeared at the most important time. He was of the opinion that constitutional means, legal reforms and mass movements would collectively undermine British domination.
He is the twice President of the Indian National Congress:
- 1919 (Amritsar Sessiaon)
- 1928 (Calcutta Session)
The Congress was more organised and self-centred under his rule.
Participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Motilal Nehru was a strong advocate of the Mahatma Gandhi Non-Cooperation Movement that was initiated in 1920. He left his law practice, renounced government titles and urged others to follow.
He was arrested a number of times and spent a lot of time in prison. He never stopped being committed to his health problems. His moves demonstrated that the Motilal Nehru image of a freedom fighter was created through sacrifice, rather than through words.
Nehru Report 1928: A historic contribution
The Nehru Report 1928 was one of the most significant chapters in the freedom struggle of India, which was contributed by Motilal Nehru. He was also the chairman of the committee that prepared this report.
Important Recommendations of the Nehru Report 1928.
- It demanded Domination in India.
- It suggested a written Constitution for India.
- It endorsed citizens’ basic rights.
- It recommended a centralised system of federalism.
- It opposed independent religious electorates.
The report was a grave effort of Indian leaders to give a clear political structure to the British government. It was a significant advance in the thinking of the constitution in India, though it did not please every group.
Opinions about Self-Rule and Governance
Motilal Nehru was of the view that the Indians could govern themselves. He emphasised the importance of effective institutions, leadership and cohesiveness within communities.
He frequently criticised communal politics and threatened that internal conflicts would destroy the national movement. The themes of his speeches at the Congress sessions were discipline, planning, and responsibility to the people.
Challenges and Final Years
Motilal Nehru was the victim of continuous jailing, political pressure and ill health. He then spent the rest of his life afflicted by disease, but mentally alert and in touch with the national life.
On 6 February 1931, Motilal Nehru died in Lucknow. His demise coincided with the fact that the freedom movement was in a new and heated stage.
Conclusion
Motilal Nehru is an enormous supporter of the freedom movement in India. Being a lawyer, leader, and nationalist, he contributed to the political course in the future, in which independence was achieved. The story of Motilal Nehru, an emancipator, is a story of bravery, purity and devotion.
Motilal Nehru contribution to the Congress is significant and enduring due to his work on the Nehru Report of 1928, his leadership and personal sacrifices. The life of Motilal Nehru provides forthright answers and pure inspiration to any person who attempts to conceive the origins of the democratic process in India.