First Prime Minister of India: The Prime Minister of India is the most important leader in the country. He or she guides the government, takes decisions for the people, and represents India at the global level. This position is like the captain of a team, who plans and leads to achieve the goals of the nation.
Who is the First Prime Minister of India?
The first Prime Minister of India was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was a freedom fighter, a visionary, and one of the most respected leaders of modern India. Nehru played a key role in India’s struggle for independence and later helped in building the foundation of the country after 1947.
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Full Name: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
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Born: 14 November 1889, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
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Education: Studied at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge. Later trained in law at Inner Temple, London.
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Career: He was a lawyer by profession, but soon joined the Indian freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership.
Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India on 15 August 1947, the day India got independence. He remained in this position till his death in 1964.
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Achievements of Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister
Pandit Nehru gave India a strong beginning as an independent nation. Some of his major achievements are:
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Democracy & Constitution: Strengthened India’s democratic system and helped in shaping the Constitution.
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Industrial Growth: Focused on setting up big industries, dams, and power projects.
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Education: Started institutions like IITs, IIMs, and promoted scientific research.
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Foreign Policy: Introduced the policy of Non-Alignment, where India did not join any power blocs during the Cold War.
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Unity in Diversity: Worked for unity among people of different religions, languages, and regions.
Major Projects and Programs Started by Nehru
Nehru is often called the architect of modern India. Some of his important projects were:
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Large dams like Bhakra Nangal Dam (called “Temples of Modern India”).
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Establishment of top institutions like IIT Kharagpur (1951).
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Promotion of science and technology through ISRO’s early foundation.
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Strong focus on public sector industries to make India self-reliant.
List of Prime Ministers of India After Nehru
After Pandit Nehru, many leaders have served as Prime Ministers of India. Some of them are:
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Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964–1966) – Known for the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
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Indira Gandhi (1966–1977, 1980–1984) – India’s first woman Prime Minister.
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Rajiv Gandhi (1984–1989) – Youngest Prime Minister, promoted technology and telecom.
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998–2004) – Known for Pokhran nuclear tests and Golden Quadrilateral road project.
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Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004–2014) – Economic reforms and stable growth.
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Narendra Modi (2014–Present, 2025) – Focus on digital India, self-reliance, infrastructure, and global image.
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Comparison: Nehru vs Later Prime Ministers
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Nehru’s Era (1947–1964): Focused on nation building, democracy, and industrial growth.
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Later Leaders: Brought in reforms like technology (Rajiv Gandhi), infrastructure (Vajpayee), economy (Manmohan Singh), and digital growth (Narendra Modi).
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Together, they shaped India step by step, each contributing to its growth.
Conclusion: Importance of the First Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru’s role as the first Prime Minister of India was very important. He gave the young nation a strong start and built systems that still guide us today. His vision of democracy, science, and unity continues to inspire India.
First Prime Minister of India FAQs
Q1: Who was the first Prime Minister of India?
Ans: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q2: When did Nehru become Prime Minister?
Ans: On 15 August 1947.
Q3: How long did Nehru serve as Prime Minister?
Ans: From 1947 to 1964 (17 years).
Q4: Who became Prime Minister after Nehru?
Ans: Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Q5: What is Nehru most famous for?
Ans: His role in building modern India, setting up industries, and promoting education and science.