1st Prime Minister of India

Jawaharlal Nehru

“Chacha Nehru”

In office

15 Aug. 1947 – 27 May 1964

Party

Indian National Congress

Born in

Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Lived

1889–1964

Days in office

6,130

In order

1947–1964: the first, before Gulzarilal Nanda

Key achievements & events

• India's first prime minister and still its longest-serving, at nearly 17 years
• Gave the "Tryst with Destiny" speech at midnight on independence, 15 August 1947
• Launched the Five-Year Plans and built up heavy industry, dams and the public sector
• Founded institutions such as the IITs, AIIMS and the Department of Atomic Energy
• A founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, keeping India out of the Cold War blocs

Remember: His birthday, 14 November, is celebrated as Children's Day in India. He died in office in 1964.