Reflective Essay Topic – The Person Who Influenced Your Life

You can find Previous Year Reflective Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Reflective Essay Topic – The Person Who Influenced Your Life

Introduction: Influenced by the books and autobiography of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.

  • Background of his life
  • Characteristics that influenced me-sacrifice, patriotism, statesmanship, visionary, industrious nature, love for children

Conclusion: Inspiring leader

In the journey of life we come across many people and also read the autobiographies of great men, which leave a lasting impression in our mind. Often the influence is so great that it changes the course of one’s life.

The influence of Mahatma Gandhi on the young Jawaharlal Nehru, was so great, that it changed the course of his life, making him quit the luxuries of life and join the freedom struggle.

I too have been profoundly influenced by the life of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, after reading his autobiography and books. The more I dwell on his life, the greater becomes my curiosity to know him.

He was born on 14th November 1889 with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. His father Motilal Nehru was a wealthy lawyer, who sent him to a public school at Harrow, Harrow in England when Jawaharlal was barely fourteen years of age. He subsequently joined Trinity College, from where he graduated in law. He returned to India, and was so greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, that he plunged into the freedom struggle.

He was jailed several times and spent his youth in prison. Here he took to writing books like the ‘Glimpses of Indian history’, ‘My Autobiography’ etc., which are regarded as masterpieces of literary work. His relentless struggle during the non-cooperation movement led to the Quit India Rresolution in 1942, which finally paved the way for India’s independence. He was the unanimous choice for the office of Prime Minister and under his able guidance, India began its tryst with destiny.

Some of the noble characteristics which endeared him to me were his strong will and self sacrifice. He could have easily led a cushy life, but he chose a thorny path for the welfare of his country. Such people are indeed rare and worth emulating.

He was a patriot to the core and was ever willing to make sacrifices for his country. Not only did he spend his youth in jail, but also took to wearing khadi, when the nation was in the thick of the movement against foreign spun yam.

He was a gentleman to the core, with an impeccable character and an acclaimed world statesman. His foreign policy pronouncement of non-alignment with power blocks and the Panch Sheel for international relations, are a testimony of his foresight. India under him was intently heard at world forums, for he voiced the feelings and emotions of the under developed and developing countries, boldly and truthfully.

Being a great visionary he laid the foundation of a socialistic government, with emphasis on industrialisation, in the core sector. This made the country advance in science and technology, making it a nuclear power, and a strong contender for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

A workaholic by nature he worked more than eighteen hours a day. He still found time for children, who lovingly called him ‘Chacha Nehru’. To commemorate his memory, the nation celebrates his birthday on 14th November as Children’s Day.

His noble attributes of sacrifice; character, patriotism, statesmanship, industrious nature, liberal attitude and love for children endear him to me. Such leaders are not born every day. His life and its travails inspire me, and would continue to inspire generations, who may wonder that such a person stalked the earth in flesh and blood.

Assignments

  • My Favourite leader. Discuss
  • Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of the Nation