In 1947, after nearly two centuries under British colonial rule, India achieved independence. Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, became the country's first prime minister. Nehru was instrumental in shaping the newly independent India, advocating for secularism, democracy, and modernization. His vision included industrialization, scientific advancement, and a commitment to non-alignment in foreign policy.