Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said Nehru’s role in nation building remained central to India’s development journey and credited the country’s first Prime Minister with laying the foundations of modern India.
The minister said Jawaharlal Nehru guided the country during a difficult period after Independence.
According to him, India faced severe food shortages and had limited industrial capacity at the time.
However, he said Nehru’s vision helped place the country on the path of long-term development.
Nehru’s role in nation building shaped modern India
Ponnam Prabhakar said educational institutions, healthcare facilities and major infrastructure projects established during Nehru’s tenure became pillars of national growth.
He argued that many of India’s achievements today stem from those institutions, policies and ideas.
Further, the minister said successive governments had continued development on foundations laid during that period.
He also credited Nehru’s policies for helping India emerge as a nation capable of competing globally.
According to Ponnam Prabhakar, India’s progress in food production and exports reflected the success of those early initiatives.
He added that the establishment of industries, public sector enterprises and Navratna companies strengthened the economy and created employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the minister described Nehru as a leader who valued democratic principles and respected the role of a strong opposition.
He said democracy required space for differing opinions and adherence to constitutional values.
Ponnam Prabhakar said no one could overlook Nehru’s contribution, sacrifices and role in shaping the nation.
He added that while leaders could be praised for their achievements, attempts to undermine the legacy of those who contributed significantly to nation building were not appropriate.
జవహర్లాల్ నెహ్రూ గారు వేసిన బలమైన పునాదులపైనే నేడు భారతదేశం అభివృద్ధి పథంలో ముందుకు సాగుతోంది. స్వాతంత్ర్యం వచ్చిన కొత్తలో తీవ్రమైన ఆహార ధాన్యాల కొరతతో, కనీస పారిశ్రామిక సామర్థ్యం కూడా లేని స్థితిలో ఉన్న దేశాన్ని తన ముందుచూపు, దూరదృష్టితో ప్రపంచ దేశాలతో పోటీపడే స్థాయికి… pic.twitter.com/rBO5yiYkXc
— Ponnam Prabhakar (@Ponnam_INC) June 10, 2026