Nehru’s Vision of Swaraj and Socialism

Abstract

The thought of socialism is an age old phenomenon in the human society. Its traces can be found in the writings of Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Shades of socialistic thoughts can also be discovered in the Santan Dharma scriptures, Islamic scriptures and the teachings of Jesus Christ. But it was only in the beginning of the 19th century that socialism as a political, social and economic philosophy gained momentum. Jawaharlal Nehru believed that no country or individual could develop much without social freedom and a socialist structure of the society and the state. The idea of socialism had been a constant thought in his mind since the pre-independence days. As an economic modernist of his times, Nehru believed in the development of large-scale industries, which he thought was the only key to overcome poverty in the country. Nehru’s concept of socialism was not merely a rigid theoretical doctrine. Theories when put to practice entertain pragmatic difficulties. When Nehru got the opportunity to apply his concept of socialism as the first Prime Minister of India, he had to confront with many complications. His idea of socialism was subjected to many changes looking to the vast population of India.  A strict adherence to any doctrine may prove detrimental at times, more so in a country, like, India. Nehru, therefore, envisaged a policy of mixed economy, of course socialist in nature, which would be best suitable to the needs of the country. India has both a rural and an urban economy and what is required is a harmonious blend between the two for the growth and development of the country. The construction of a series of big dams for agricultural irrigation along with the production of hydroelectricity i.e. energy for industrial purposes reflects Nehru’s idea of drawing a balance between the two major sectors of the country.  What Nehru meant by Swaraj was not merely political freedom but beside political freedom it should include social and economic justice for the Indian masses. Independence should bring not only a change of the officials but should also bring a change in the fundamentals of the life of a nation. The year 1991 will always be remembered in India as a year which is witness to a drastic change in the Indian economy policy. This was the year when the Government of India drifted from Nehru’s policy of mixed economy and announced the new economic policy which consisted of a wide range of reforms. Thirty years have passed under this new economic system and now the time has come when we should evaluate and analyze how far this new approach has been beneficial to the country. Today, the country is face to face with innumerable problems; problems related to inflation, unemployment, caste, class and religious activism. The country needs to address these problems in a determined way before it is too late. I understand that the time has come when we need to once again look back to Nehru’s vision of Swaraj and socialism for a pragmatic solution to these problems.