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| Sunday, 5 December 2004 |
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A letter to his Daughter - Nehru How early history was written
Nehru sacrificed his own comforts to free his motherland from foreign rule. The letters he wrote to his daughter, Indira from prison were later published as a book. 'Letters from a father to his daughter." 'How early history was written' is one letter from the series of letters he wrote to his daughter - Indira - a little girl at that time. In the prose passage 'How early history was written' Jawaharlal Nehru has pointed out clearly the importance of learning the early history of man. He has created a visual image of man's first existence and his physical and mental development as time passed how man conceived the need for a better livelihood. How 'man was humanistically oriented' the result of man's power of intelligence. Nehru stresses the fact that 'the book of nature consists of everything around you rocks, mountains, valleys, rivers, seas and volcanoes.' The book of nature is eternally opened for everyone's attention and explains. The appearance of animals, man and how they existed and how their mental and physical development increased by gathering experience. Nehru shows how the biggest and fiercest animal could be made to obey man who is so small and contrasting in size - the juxtaposition showing the striking difference of the elephant, the large animal obeying the orders of the little man - the mahout, because man can think and use his power of intelligence. Gradually he was able to find ways of cultivation, building houses to live in, clothes to wear - doing away with his nomadic lifestyle. Ultimately cities were created by men and women, changing their lifestyle. As cities grew people learnt many beautiful arts - wrote beautifully and drew pictures that were fascinating and attractive. First they wrote on the bark of the Bhojpatra tree. Then on palm leaves and finally on paper. But all the books were hand-written with attractive pictures covering the marginal blank spaces. These books written in Sanskrit, Persian and Urdu are still found in the libraries in India. Nehru says that the growth of cities helped to form countries and nations. The people in one country thought that they were better than the other and in a very foolish manner, fought with the others resulting in killing and violence. Nehru says that fighting and killing was and is 'the most stupid thing that people can do. It does good to nobody.' This is a fact which most nations refuse to understand - the real cause for injustice and violence and people's insensibility to the adverse and harmful effects of war. Nehru points out how China and Egypt did great things when the countries of Europe were full of savage tribes. He refers to the days of India as a rich, powerful state when the Mahabharatha and Ramayana were written. He says that India being under foreign rule now is a poor country and Nehru points out clearly the urgent need for Independence for India from foreign rule. The purpose of Nehru's letter to his daughter Nehru wrote this set of letters when he was in prison for being in the 'fore-front of the struggle' to win Independence for India. He was jailed eight times for being in the campaign against British Rule. When Nehru was in prison his daughter Indira was a little girl. A father would usually write loving letters, affectionate and touching. But Nehru's letters were entirely different, arousing the curiosity of the readers. But Nehru has had a very energetic and ulterior motive and a far sighted purpose in his letters. He used very simple language, so that his little daughter could understand him and follow him. Nehru was determined to arouse national feelings and devotion for her motherland. There was an urgent need for independence for India. To end the era of British Colonial Rule Nehru made a successful attempt to inculcate, patriotism and love for 'mother India' and above all stimulate her, from her childhood - the importance of freedom to her mother country - in this Nehru succeeded. India gained Independence and Nehru became the Prime Minister of India in 1947. Indira Gandhi realised that her father's desire were genuine and true he fought not for fame or status but with love and devotion for his mother country. Jawaharlal Nehru's 'Letters to his Daughter' tend to inculcate the importance of patriotism and how even children could be directed in the right path to patriotism and detest flaunting of parental power. Mrs. C. Ekanayake, Retd. Specialist Teacher Eng. Lit., St. Anne's College, Kurunegala. |
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Jawaharlal Nehru became the Prime Minister of India in 1947. He was one
of the great Indian leaders genuine in his words, genuine in his feelings,
genuine in his expressions and he was in the forefront of all activities
concerned with the freedom for his country.
