Bhopal:
On the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, a significant episode from his life has once again drawn attention. In 1936, while returning to India from Rome, Nehru declined an invitation to meet Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, maintaining his opposition to fascist rule.
Nehru described the incident in detail in his book The Discovery of India. He wrote that Italy's military forces were conducting a campaign in Abyssinia, now known as Ethiopia, at the time. Nehru feared that a meeting with Mussolini could be used for fascist propaganda. He also recalled that during Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Italy in 1931, an Italian newspaper had allegedly published a fabricated interview with him.
Nehru had already sent a message declining the proposed meeting. However, when he arrived in Rome, a senior official representing Mussolini informed him that an appointment had been scheduled for 6 pm. The official reportedly said that all arrangements had been made and cancelling the meeting would be difficult.
This led to a discussion and debate lasting nearly an hour between Nehru and the official. Nehru remained courteous but firmly stood by his decision. Eventually, the scheduled time passed, and the meeting with Mussolini never took place.
Later, Nehru wrote a letter expressing regret over his inability to accept the invitation and thanking Mussolini for his message of sympathy.
The episode reflects Nehru's opposition to fascism and imperialism, as well as his determination to remain committed to his political principles despite diplomatic pressure.
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