'Good thing to go to prison for a short while': See Nehru's first ever TV appearance

The first ever television appearance of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister was released by BBC Archive on the occasion of India's 76th Independence day.

The press conference from June 1953 was anchored by journalist William Clark, who introduced Nehru as one of Asia's most prominent statesmen. Kingsley Martin, editor of the New Statesman, HV Hodson, editor of the Sunday Times, and Donald McLachlan, foreign editor of the Economist, ask the questions.

"Yes, this is the first time I am facing this ordeal. In fact, I know very little about television, except what I've heard about it," Nehru replies to a question on his TV debut.


When pointed out that there is not much resentment in India against the British despite the past history, he replies: "Well partly we don't, I suppose hate for long or intensively, but chiefly, I think, because of the background that Mr Gandhi gave us during all these past decades."

When he reminded that he himself was in prison for many years, Nehrus's wry wit surfaces: " I think it's a good thing for a person to go to prison for a short while,"

Asked about his opinion on his seven years as PM, Nehru frankly says there are reasons to feel both satisfied and unsatisfied about. He is happy about the progress of democracy in the country, but he is unsatisfied at the slow progress of the economy.

The 7:34 minute video clipping, recorded for telecast later in the evening, would seem a world away from TV shows of the present, with both Nehru and his interviewers talking sedately and taking only a little time with their questions or answers.