Jawaharlal Nehru’s first TV appearance | Archives | BBC News India

In June 1953, India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, appeared on the BBC for his television debut.

Thumbnail image credit: Getty Images

-----------------------------------
This is the official BBC News India channel. If you want to understand and follow the India story, we hope this will be your home. Here, you’ll find stories that move your heart and explainers, interviews and documentaries on issues that you care about.
Don’t expect a 24/7 stream of news, we are not that channel. But you can look forward to top-quality BBC journalism that will help you make sense of what’s happening around you.
Do comment on our videos and posts because we will be reading them and taking them on board, and if you like what we do, you can also find us here

Thanks for following us!

#BBCNewsIndia #India #interview #archive

[mohammediqbal]

No telepromptor, no acting, no pretensions, no sound modulations...just genuine and bold...

[dargalombo]

A man who is facing the television for the first time was speaking so eloquently. Great statesman.

[ruttvikcreation]

The fact that the Prime Minister of India at that time could easily answer 4 reporters shows his education and intelligence👌

[mrcosmikpure]

at 6.11 mr. nehru talks about secular india. Look how candid and dignified he is in answering the questions. i am proud we had a PM who could talk to the media, face difficult questions and not try to run away sipping a glass of water and sitting on the edge of the seat.

[gogol]

The best thing about him was his truthfulness and blaming nobody. He was always positive in his approach.

[nithinthomas]

Just wow. How calmly he responded. No PR work.

Also, in 1953 the priority was making one India.. how far we came!!

[paulnantulya]

This man is revered in Africa and by Africans to this day. He is and always was a champion, an ally, and friend. We remember him fondly.

[valentinevipin]

❤❤❤What a PM he was answering the questions from 4 diffrent news papers editors without any hesitation. Thanks Nehru Chacha. Thanks BBC.

[akay]

Watching this makes me think Indian Journalism hasn't reached this level even after 60 years later. The quality of qualestions, the ability of listening to others and not cutting in the middle, in depth and fundamental discussion instead of illogical questions. Great journalism.

[sameesamee]

How articulated, spontaneous he is. Honesty and dedication show in his words.

[johnsonkavanattu]

Absolutely no arrogance, perfect diplomacy with firm outlook. Intellectuality shines through!

[jittate]

Humble. Intelligent. Calm composure. Daring to face world’s top notch journalist. ❤️👍

[ramgb]

17:33 Nehru ❤ as a Bhartiya as an Indian it is my first time in life listening to the voice and speech of Nehru. Yes known him but never liked him... But at this moment I have changed my mind and an absolute joy after listening to your statement @17:33 made me feel more INDIAN than ever.. Thank you Mr.Statesman...

[aryansinghrules]

NEHRUJI IS SO HONEST, UPRIGHT TO ACCEPT SHORT COMINGS & STILL WAS SO OPTIMISTIC!! GREAT MAN! RESPECT TO OUR FIRST PM!

[bablubiswas]

What a great confidence in first time interview in British Media Pandit Nehrus calm and intelligent answers of these Press Representatives shows his knowledge about the whole world and their culture and their political internal matters,
Nehruji had great depth of human values and had wide knowledge of the outer world.
Rahul Gandhi is carrying that Legacy with honour.

[eight]

India was really lucky to have had this man as the first Prime Minister.

[Rajj]

After watching this interview I can understand why my parents revered Nehru immensely. Nehru’s simplicity, directness, and clarity are testament to his intellect and strength of character.

[shenkipz]

It was so thoughtful by the BBC to record and shown us to the people of 21st century, if this had not be recorded no one from this generation will believe he really lived a dynamic leader ever long before ..❤

[ankurm]

This is the first time I am hearing, and seeing, our first Prime Minister as an Indian.. and, my god! I am so very proud and impressed! I just wish we held up to those ideals now.

[lovealways]

Finest finest and finest prime minister of India. What an amazing leader. Kudos!