The phrase comes from the first sentence of Nehru’s speech to the Indian Assembly on the night before independence was achieved in August of 1947*. One British newspaper has said it’s one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century**.
While the major portion of this great speech is virtuous, true and deeply inspiring, it is peppered with what today’s journalists would probably call “Nehruisms”. Perhaps the Prime Minister (or his speech writer) should have taken a closer look at the word tryst. It means: a private, romantic rendezvous between lovers.
A "tryst with destiny" sounds so profound, so intellectual - almost believable in its allusion. Imagine a whole nation having a love affair with destiny? It was certainly taken as highly patriotic when spoken as part of this Independence Day speech. But the fact is, the word means what it means and no matter who says it, or to whom, it still feels a bit mawkish and contrived. Given the times and the years of struggle that lay behind India that August, it is understandable that her leaders sought to be as eloquent as possible when speaking of their new nation. Had Nehru replaced “tryst” with the more flat “promise”, is just wouldn’t have felt the same.
John
Sir, your knowledge about the India is really amazing.
I read that speech through the link given by you.
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny
does it mean that "our freedom is destined to happen" ?