The "Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lectures", which are delivered by eminent Individuals drawn from the world of letters, or scientific achievement, or reflective statesmanship, have over the years become a seminal event in the intellectual life of Delhi, and, indeed, of India as a whole. Whatever the precise theme of these "Lectures" - whether they highlight the enduring vision of Jawaharlal Nehru; or dwell upon the genesis or development of the universe; or focus upon the existential predicaments faced by humankind in our times - they share some common features and assumptions. These reflect the critical wisdom of some of the leading minds of our era; they voice the thought that the history of humankind has been an exciting journey of stimulating ideas, purposeful striving and commendable achievement; and last but not least, they are informed by a conviction that what lies ahead, shall prove to be more exciting; more daring in challenges met and victories secured; than has been true earlier.

If the "Memorial Lectures" delivered in honour of Jawaharlal Nehru reflect an optimistic picture of human destiny, then such optimism was also reflected in the worldview of Nehru and the initiatives taken by him, in the course of his remarkable career. Jawaharlal Nehru belonged to a generation of radical liberals in India, who had the privilege of having as their mentor Mahatma Gandhi, the most distinguished exponent of truth and non-violence in our century. To the moral concerns of the Mahatma, Nehru added a sensitive understanding of modernity in all its diverse manifestations; and an unrivalled understanding of the wider social, political and economic trends of our times. Indeed, as pointed out in his Lecture by President K. R. Narayanan, himself a statesman and diplomat of the highest rank, Nehru's most valuable contribution to our world was his vision of the global community of the future; wherein the efficacy of the moral word and the bonding power of social equity, would replace material wealth and military strength as the bases of national greatness.

Although these "Memorial Lectures" were delivered before large, influential and discriminating audiences; and they were widely reported in the press; the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, under whose aegis they were organised, takes the view that they deserve to be much more widely read by the intelligentsia of our times. For this reason, we have brought them out in the shape of a two volume publication. We were also encouraged to do so in the belief that taken altogether, the "Memorial Lectures" hold out a distinct view of the future of humankind. This view of the human future deserves widespread debate and discussion today, as we reach out to a new millennium in world history.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lectures, delivered between 1967 and 1979 were published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in two volumes in 1973 and 1980.

During the 50th anniversary of India's Independence, the Trustees of the Fund desired that the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan be asked to publish an up-to-date version of the twenty- nine Lectures delivered so far. Volume one to cover the period 1967-1981 and Volume two, 1982-1997.

These Lectures by outstanding world thinkers of our time are a testimony to the greatness of Jawaharlal Nehru. He is one of the towering figures of the 20th century. A democratic, egalitarian, pluralistic, secular India is Nehru's legacy to us.