M2022APCCP044
Q2.A)
Delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of India's Independence, 'A Tryst with Destiny' is
inarguably one of the most outstanding discourses ever made in history. Its tone is impelling
and reminiscent. There is also a reassuringly rhythmic pace to it – one that starkly stresses on
the glaring contrasts between the past and the present. Nehru fondly instigates the richness
the Indian subcontinent encompassed, faintly evokes the difficulties endured during the rule
of the Raj and gloriously paints a portrait of what he idealizes the future to be. The sequence
is almost lyrical – not that Nehru went easy on literary devices. In fact, calling the address
poetic would not be much off the mark – replete with alliterations, repetitions, metaphors,
antitheses and imageries. One poetic device that can be fondly recalled is when Nehru refers
to Mahatma Gandhi as "the greatest man of our generation" (allusion). This is in harmony
with the rest of the speech, where it has been diligently ensured that not one individual's
name is to be mentioned, not even Nehru himself.
What also stands out is the relevance the speech eternally holds for India. The goals of
freedom, abolishment of suffering and poverty that Nehru marked as the aspirations for
freedom and independence do not reflect just the goals of that time but hold pertinence for
India perpetually. In pointing these objectives out, Nehru also uses a rousing dialogue. The
word 'we' occurs repetitively and serves as a call to action. This effectually induces a sense of
oneness in all the citizens embracing the independent sovereignty of India. In doing so, he
unites the people to reach the common objective - "to build the noble mansion of free India
where all her children may dwell'.
Then, the discourse, yet again, alludes the past struggles before denoting some 'light at the
end of the tunnel'. Smartly and aptly, Nehru also places a reference to the Gandhian
principles that, according to the majority, form the accurate crux of the nation and its
freedom. He craftily mentions in passing "those who have strayed from his (Gandhi's)
message" before shifting the onus on the future generations to persevere in conserving the
Mahatma's values.
Subsequently, Nehru dwells on the colossal contributions of those who gallantly aided in the
freedom movement. When patriotism is thus infused in the air, he notes the divide that the
Partition imparts on the people of a hitherto one-land. As if prophesying the future and the
likely challenges anticipated, he insists on continued brotherhood with the new state of
Pakistan.
Moving on, he artistically personifies the future as he reinstates the goals for a new India.
Epitomizing "justice and fullness of life to every man and woman" as the ultimate purpose,
he acknowledges that there is intense, harsh drudgery in the way. He summons the people of
the nation to undertake this task while, at the same time, insisting on the principle of equality
in all respects.
It takes significance to note that as the end nears, the tenor of Nehru's speech develops, more
and more, an exigent quality. There is a sort of zenith that the speech acquires in terms of
recognizing the chief tenets of "peace, freedom and democracy" before the concluding
communal pledge is avowed.
That Nehru is an orator of first-class should never be questioned, especially not after his 'A
Tryst with Destiny'. There are so many emotions, sentiments, facts, recognitions, aims and
beliefs that are stirred up by him in this rendition. Every listener, at the stroke of midnight on
14th August 1947 and ever since, has been left inspired by him. What might benefit
questioning, though, is how much we have– 75 years since then – done.
References:
Tryst with Destiny by Jawaharlal Nehru | Summary. (n.d.). Tryst with Destiny by Jawaharlal
Nehru | Summary. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.studienet.dk/tryst-
with-destiny-jawaharlal-nehru/summary
Al MuzzamilFareen, J., & Farhana, M. M. A. M. Humanitarian precepts and the relevance of
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Tryst with Destiny speech and ideals today: A critical review.
