2012 - 150th Birth Anniversary of Motilal Nehru | Commemorative Coin

The 3rd commemorative coin for the year 2012 was released on occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary Motilal Nehru.

Motilal Nehru (6 May 1861 – 6 February 1931) was a prominent Indian lawyer, a dedicated activist in the Indian National Movement, and a key leader of the Indian National Congress. Serving twice as the Congress President in 1919–1920 and 1928–1929, he played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of India. Notably, Motilal Nehru is recognized as the founding patriarch of the influential Nehru-Gandhi family, which has had a profound impact on Indian politics.

Motilal's commitment to the cause of Indian independence was evident when he supported the non-cooperation movement at the special Congress in Calcutta in September 1920. Presiding over the Calcutta Congress in December 1928, Motilal found himself at the center of a significant ideological clash between those advocating Dominion Status and those demanding complete independence. A potential split was averted through a compromise proposed by Gandhiji, setting a one-year deadline for Britain to grant Dominion Status; failing which, the Congress would press for complete independence through civil disobedience. Motilal actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and faced arrest.

While initially aligned with Gandhi, Motilal expressed open criticism when civil resistance was suspended in 1922 after a violent incident in Chauri Chaura. He joined the Swaraj Party, which sought representation in British-sponsored councils.

Motilal's entry into politics marked the beginning of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty's powerful influence, particularly with the political emergence of his charismatic and highly educated son, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1916. The transition of leadership within the family was symbolically significant when Motilal handed over the Congress presidency to Jawaharlal in 1929, with Gandhi's backing. Despite differences in their stance on dominion status, the succession pleased admirers of the Nehru family.

In the later years, Motilal's declining health and age kept him away from the historic events of 1929-1931, including the Congress's adoption of complete independence as its goal and Gandhi's launch of the Salt Satyagraha. In his final days, Motilal Nehru found solace in the company of his son Jawaharlal and Gandhiji. He passed away on February 6, 1931.

Motilal Nehru's enduring legacy lies in being the patriarch of India's most influential political dynasty, which has produced three Prime Ministers and continues to shape the country's political landscape.

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