He joined the Indian Civil Service in 1934 and rose to be governor of seven different states of India. From 1934 to 1937 he held various government positions in the province of Punjab.[3] Nehru became the secretary of economic affairs in 1957.[9] He was appointed Commissioner General for Economic Affairs (external financial relations) of India in 1958.[3] He was Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (1981–84), Assam (1968–73),[10]Gujarat (1984–86), Nagaland (1968–73), Meghalaya (1970–73), Manipur (1972–73) and Tripura (1972–73). He was transferred overnight as the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir to Gujarat after he refused to help Indira Gandhi in destabilising the Farooq Abdullah government.[11]
International
Nehru worked as executive director in the World Bank (1949) and was Economic Minister at the Indian Embassy in Washington (1954).[3] He helped to create the Aid India Club in 1958, which was a consortium of donor nations that committed to donate $2 million for the development of India.[7] He also served as a diplomat, as ambassador to several countries and was offered the post of secretary-general of the United Nations in 1951, but declined. Nehru was also the Indian High Commissioner in London from 1973 to 1977.[7] Braj was chairman of the United Nations Investment committee for 14 years.[4] He represented India in the 'Sterlings balances' negotiations with Britain at the post-Second World War reparations conference.[12]
Writer
Nehru wrote an autobiography titled Nice Guys Finish Second.[13] Mr. Ramesh Kumar Saxena, who worked for him for 35 years, helped writing his biography.[citation needed]
The speech "Civil Service in Transition" delivered at the India International Center in New Delhi on 15 October 1999 describes the need and the role played by a strong civil service. It also details the causes for the prevalent corruption in India's political system and civil services.
Death
Nehru died in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India on 31 October 2001 at the age of 92. His body was cremated in Delhi & the memorial service was held amongst the chanting of mantras from the holy scriptures.[16]