Jawaharlal Nehru, Freedom Fighter and Independent India’s first Prime Minister, lived a many-splendoured life dedicated to the service of the nation. Not only was his role in the freedom struggle an outstanding one, as free India’s Prime Minister for 17 years he became the symbol of the hopes and aspirations of a resurgent India. He occupied a unique place in the hearts of the Indian people, an affection which cut across all barriers of race and creed, language and religion, party and ideology.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund formally came into being when a National Committee consisting of 110 members was convened in New Delhi on 17 August 1964 under the Chairmanship of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India. This Committee unanimously adopted a Deed of Declaration of Trust and nominated the first Trustees, Holding Trustees and Members of the Executive Committee.

The first Executive Committee of the Fund, consisting of 22 members, was presided over by Dr Zakir Husain. Shrimati Indira Gandhi was made Secretary of the Fund.

In Dr S. Radhakrishnan’s words “The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund is a symbol of our determination to keep burning the torch that he has left to us. Let us make it a symbol worthy both of our regard and affection for him and of all that he has so generously bequeathed to us.”

During these long years of existence the Fund has undertaken a number of activities, all aimed at protecting and propagating the memory and message of the life of one of India’s greatest sons.