Jawaharlal Nehru and His Role in Shaping the Rajya Sabha: A Historical Perspective

ARTICLE CREDITS

🏛 cms.rajyasabha.nic.in

📚 prentice hall of india private limited, ISBN-0-87692-637-5

👤 SUDARSHAN AGARWAL

🎓 Secretary General, Rajya Sabba 1989, Indian politician.

📅 Dated: 1989

Title	jawaharlal Nehru and Rajya Sabha
Author	SUDARSHAN AGARWAL
Category	Studies about Jawaharlal Nehru
Number of Pages	76
Language	English
File Size	9.8 KB
File Type	PDF
Country of Publication	India
Main Topics	Concept of Bicameralism ', Sovereignty of the People, Towards an Egalitarian Society, Democracy at Grass-root Levels, Parliamentariannonpareil, Non-alignment and Peacefulco-existence, End of an Era, Nehru Miscellany.....

Summary Note of this Document

This 76-page book, authored by Sudarshan Agarwal (Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha), is a commemorative volume published by Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited in New Delhi. Released in November 1989 to mark Jawaharlal Nehru's birth centenary, it serves as a tribute from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to Nehru's legacy as a statesman and democrat. The book explores Nehru's profound influence on India's parliamentary institutions, particularly the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), drawing from his speeches, debates, and actions. It portrays him as a visionary who championed democracy, socialism, secularism, and non-alignment while building modern India's political framework. The content is structured around thematic chapters, blending historical analysis, quotes from Nehru, and anecdotes from parliamentary proceedings. It includes a Sanskrit epigraph from the Hitopadesh emphasizing self-earned valor, symbolizing Nehru's leadership.

Key Structural Elements

• Cover and Title Page: Features a red silhouette of Nehru in his signature cap, with the Parliament building in the background. The title is "Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajya Sabha," priced at Rs. 89.00, with ISBN 0-87692-637-5.
• Copyright and Publishing Details: Copyright held by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. No reproduction without permission. Printed by Rekha Printers Pvt. Ltd.
• Foreword (by Shanker Dayal Sharma, Chairman of Rajya Sabha): Praises Nehru as the "builder of modern India" and a legendary figure idolized by the masses. Highlights his vision for a democratic, socialistic, scientific, and secular India. Emphasizes Nehru's role in state planning (e.g., Five-Year Plans), scientific institutions, and fostering opposition in Parliament for constructive criticism. Quotes Nehru on democracy (e.g., from a 1955 Rajya Sabha debate on majority-minority relations) and tolerance as its bedrock.
• Preface (by Sudarshan Agarwal): Describes Nehru as a democrat who nurtured parliamentary institutions to ensure people's involvement in governance, poverty alleviation, and social justice. Notes his active role in the Constituent Assembly, advocacy for bicameralism, and equal treatment of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Nehru's interest in Question Hour, Private Members' Business, and correcting colleagues on the floor is highlighted. The book is inspired by Sharma and credits the Rajya Sabha Research Service.

Main Themes and Insights

1. Nehru's Democratic Vision: The book underscores Nehru's commitment to parliamentary democracy as suited to India's traditions and modern needs. He viewed it as a tool for social justice, not just majority rule, and stressed minority rights (e.g., "majority... as a trustee of the minority").

1. Role in Bicameralism: Nehru chaired the committee recommending a bicameral Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). He resolved inter-House tensions in 1953 by affirming neither House is superior, except in financial matters, and urged cooperation for smooth governance.
2. Parliamentary Conduct: Nehru actively participated in Rajya Sabha debates on foreign affairs, President's Address, and Five-Year Plans. He valued Question Hour, intervened in private members' bills, and expressed regrets for lapses.
3. Broader Contributions: Emphasizes Nehru's push for planning, science, secularism, and non-alignment. The book argues his interventions strengthened institutions and prevented crises.
4. Tone and Purpose: Scholarly yet admiring, with direct quotes from Nehru's speeches (e.g., his 1947 "tryst with destiny" address). It's a "humble homage" to Nehru's ceaseless work in building democratic institutions, aimed at inspiring future generations.

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