Jawaharlal Nehru, often called Panditji (Scholar), was the first Prime Minister of India
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) delivered his famous inaugural speech "A Tryst With Destiny" on August 15, 1947 when he became the first Indian Prime Minister. Nehru played played a major role in leading India to Independence; his father Motilal Nehru was one of the early leaders of the freedom struggle, and his daughter Indira Gandhi, and grandson Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Ministers of India after Independence. Rajiv Gandhi's widow, Sonia Gandhi is currently head of the Congress Party.