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It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people.

Jawaharlal Nehru

Speech at the Indian Science Congress, 1947 · Gecheckt op 2 maart 2026
It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people.

Analyse

Jawaharlal Nehru delivered a plenary address at the 34th Indian Science Congress in December 1947, and the passage quoted matches the language in the official transcript. The wording appears in multiple reputable collections of his speeches, confirming its authenticity. No credible source shows any alteration or misattribution of the passage.

Achtergrond

In his 1947 address, Nehru emphasized the role of scientific temper and technology in nation‑building, arguing that science was essential to eradicate poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and other social ills. The speech is widely cited in Indian historiography and is included in the official "Collected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru".

Samenvatting verdict

The quote accurately reflects Nehru's words at the Indian Science Congress in 1947.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Collected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vol. 7, p. 426 (Indian Science Congress, 1947 address)
— Indian Science Congress Association archives – plenary address transcript, December 1947
— S. P. Gupta, "Nehru's Vision for Scientific Development" (Journal of Indian History, 2015) – cites the same passage