Nehru's Vision of Modern India: A Study in Secularism and Socialism

Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, envisioned a modern nation built on the pillars of democracy, secularism, socialism, and non-alignment. This paper examines Nehru's conceptualization of secularism and socialism as foundational elements for India's post-independence development. Drawing from his seminal works, such as The Discovery of India (1946) and An Autobiography (1936), as well as policy implementations, it analyzes how these ideologies addressed India's pluralistic society and economic disparities. Through a qualitative historical analysis, the study highlights Nehru's commitment to a rational, inclusive state that prioritized social justice and national unity. The findings underscore the enduring relevance of Nehruvian ideals amid contemporary challenges to India's secular fabric and economic equity.