The essentials
At midnight on 14–15 August 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech to the Constituent Assembly. The leaders of the new nation agreed on certain broad goals: to keep India united in all its diversity, to run it as a democracy, and to work for the welfare of all, especially the poor and the weaker sections.
Three challenges stood out. The first was unity and integrity: India was diverse in language, religion, culture and region, and many doubted it could stay together. The second was democracy: India had adopted a constitution with fundamental rights and universal adult franchise, and these had to be made to work. The third was development: the state had to reduce poverty and ensure the well-being of all, not just a few.
Key points
- Nehru held that India's unity would come from accepting diversity, not from forcing one culture or language on everyone.
- He saw secularism as essential: the state would not favour any religion, and Muslims and other minorities who stayed in India would be equal citizens.
- He believed the state should plan development and reduce inequality, which led to planning and a large public sector.
- In foreign affairs this approach was linked to non-alignment and the desire to keep India's freedom of action.
- The ideas of nation-building were not shared by everyone in the same way; different leaders had different emphases.
Exam tips
- Learn the three challenges of nation-building and an example of each.
- Be ready to explain why “unity in diversity” rather than uniformity was chosen.
Common mistakes
- Thinking “Tryst with Destiny” was a speech to the public at the Red Fort; it was delivered in the Constituent Assembly.
- Treating secularism as hostility to religion rather than equal respect and state neutrality.