Before the ruling elite attempts to further damage the constitution, all civil, military and judicial services will do well to remember the two landmark judgements.

Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as the prime minister four times, Atal Bihari Vajpayee thrice and Indira Gandhi also took oath as the prime minister four times.

Nehru's decisions, which were endorsed fully by his Cabinet, were aimed at keeping not just the ruler but also the people of Kashmir with India. Those who fault Nehru's moves on Kashmir in 1947-48 should know that it is easy to be wiser with hindsight.

Though he lived only nine years after Independence, he left an indelible mark on the history of modern India, which possibly is greater than his contribution during the freedom struggle. He died on December 6, 1956.

Today, November 11, marks the 135th birth anniversary of India's first education minister. The Maulana played a crucial role in bringing Indian Muslims out of their self-imposed political indifference to cooperate with their Hindu brethren in the task of freeing the country from foreign rule.

As chief minister, he oversaw post-independence “golden age” of Madras state. As Congress president, he oversaw the leadership change after Nehru's death.

Feroze Gandhi was a freedom fighter, prominent parliamentarian and crusader against corruption. This piece traces the various threads in his rich life, including his joining the Nehru family, before his untimely death 63 years ago.

The movement took a turn not contemplated by Gandhi and the Congress leaders.

Tilak was the tallest of the leaders of his generation who prepared the nation for the trials and triumphs of the Gandhian era.

'The Grand Old Man of India' was not only one of the founder members of the Indian National Congress but also one whose vision shaped the organision.

Chittaranjan Das’ entry into politics took place at a crucial moment and, in the course of only eight years, he rose to all-India fame by virtue of his ardent patriotism, sterling sincerity and oratorical power.

Though the Rajiv Gandhi era was cut short by his tragic assassination on May 21, 1991, his achievements as prime minister for five years have been outstanding.

After Motilal's death in 1931, Subhas Chandra Bose remarked that it was "nothing short of a national calamity that he passed away".

The life mission of both the first prime minister and the first law minister was to bring equality in Indian society and end all discrimination based on caste, race, religion and gender.