In the turbulent aftermath of the partition and the subcontinent’s struggle for independence, Jawaharlal Nehru’s letters to his chief ministers reveal a leader grappling with the human and political upheavals that defined the nation’s early years. Volume 1 of the 5 Letters to Chief Ministers covers events like the massive migrations, princely state conflicts in Junagadh, Kashmir and Hyderabad, and the challenges of unity amidst chaos. These writings offer a vivid glimpse into the making of modern India.
Q: What made PRH publish ‘Jawaharlal Nehru’s Letters to Chief Ministers‘?
- Jawaharlal Nehru’s life, philosophy and writings showcase his intellect as a politician, statesman, and global leader. His deep understanding of India’s civilizational history is remarkable. The five-volume Letters to Chief Ministers reveals his active engagement with India’s society and politics. These writings are crucial for interpreting the concept of India. We at Penguin are equally thrilled about the release of this volume. Nehru’s writings are indeed critically important for engaging with and interpreting the idea of India. We sincerely hope that this cluster of books will captivate a wide spectrum of readers now and in the future, continuing to inspire and provoke thoughtful discussions on nation-building and social progress.
Q: Please tell the audience about “Penguin’s Nehru Library” and what are the future plans for it?
- Jawaharlal Nehru was a tireless advocate for democratic values, civil liberties, and institutional development. His foundational ideas continue to underpin modern India’s vibrant democracy. Nehru’s vision for India and the world, expressed through his writings on democracy, secularism, global politics, and social justice, remains remarkably relevant decades after his passing. His engagement with the chief ministers of a newly independent India finds a characteristic expression in these letters. I sincerely hope that young Indians will find it interesting to go through these books, which would give them an idea of how India’s first prime minister looked at the issues that perplexed him; how he dealt with them and the ideas that defined modern India’s trajectory.
Q: Would you say everyone should read these letters? Why?
- I would very much like everyone to read these letters. We, as a team, are indeed proud to unveil this multi-volume set, which we believe will be a definitive collection that critically engages with the thoughts of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. “Six decades after his passing, Nehru’s profound insights and ideals continue to resonate, shaping India’s democratic ethos and inspiring global conversations on nation-building and social progress.”
Q: Was there any particular letter in the volume that surprised you-either because of Nehru’s tone, foresight, or maybe a political nuance?
- As someone deeply interested in geopolitics and history, “I immensely enjoyed volume 4 of this set of books.” This volume, in particular, is a testament to his diplomatic genius and Nehru’s dream of a balanced, independent India amidst the Cold War’s turmoil. This collection is a treasure trove for anyone who wishes to connect with Nehru’s enduring ideals and be inspired by his vision for a better world
Pick up Penguin’s Nehru Library’s “Letters to Chief Minister” from any Kunzum store or click here to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.