On this day in 1889, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was born.

The son of a prominent lawyer, Nehru had a privileged upbringing. He studied in Cambridge and trained there to become a barrister.

On his return to India he took an interest in politics and rose to become a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, the party that was pushing for independence from Britain.

Working alongside Mahatma Gandhi, the pair achieved their goal in 1947 when an independent India was born.

It was not a pain free birth, however.

Following the dissolution of British India, two new countries, India and Pakistan, were created. In life it can be very useful to have a reliable and trustworthy neighbour. India and Pakistan are neighbours. It would appear that trust is one thing that has never existed between them.

Nehru was Prime Minister of India from independence up to his death in 1964. He was a popular, progressive leader, winning three elections. His birthday is still celebrated today.

My Good Self got along to India a few seasons back. I did a bit of wandering around there with my good friend, Sergeant Major Saab. Arriving in Delhi we were happy enough to move on from that chaotic city. Following a crowded train journey, we reached our base, near a city by the name of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. A city world famous for yoga, the area around Rishikesh also provided some beautiful walks and a memorable rafting experience on the nearby River Ganges. The city is also known for the visit there of four Liverpool musicians in the 1960’s.

The Beatles wrote many songs in Rishikesh.

They had good taste.