Indians Are Lazy: Listen To What Nehru Had To Say In 1959 Which Has Come Up In PM Modi's Attack

In recent discussions surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's critique in the Lok Sabha, there has been a resurgence of interest in India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru's 1959 Independence Day speech.

During a Lok Sabha session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Jawaharlal Nehru for allegedly disparaging the work ethic of Indians.

Responding to the "Motion of Thanks" on the President's address, PM Modi cited a 1959 speech by Nehru delivered from the Red Fort. He interpreted specific remarks as implying that Nehru viewed Indians as less hardworking and intelligent compared to other nations.

"Prime Minister Nehru himself said, 'Indians generally do not have the habit of working very hard,'" Modi stated, drawing protests from Congress MPs. He further suggested, "This implies that Nehru ji believed Indians were lazy and less intelligent."

However, a closer look at Nehru's original speech reveals a somewhat different context. Nehru said, "In India, there has not been a habit of working hard... But the fact is we don't work as hard as Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians or Americans. Don't think they developed due to magic, but because of hard work and intelligence." Nehru's statement acknowledged a perceived difference in work ethic but did not explicitly label Indians as lazy or unintelligent.

PM Modi further contended that this perception of Indian 'laziness' continued with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He referenced a 1974 statement by Gandhi where she spoke of the "complacent" and "defeatist attitude" of some Indians.

"Unfortunately, it has become our habit to become complacent after finishing work and lose hope when faced with difficulties," Modi quoted Gandhi, suggesting her words mirrored Nehru's view.

PM Modi concluded by suggesting that the Congress and its leaders exhibited a sense of superiority, lacking faith in the capabilities of ordinary Indians.