New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on Thursday, November 14, commemorating his 135th birth anniversary. Similarly, Congress leaders remembered him as ‘Hind Ke Jawahar’ (Jewel of India).

Sharing his tribute on X, the Prime Minister posted, “On the occasion of his birth anniversary, I pay homage to our former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.”

Jawaharlal Nehru, born November 14, 1889, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, pursued education at some of the world’s renowned institutions, including Harrow School in London and the University of Cambridge.

The official PM India portal states, “In 1912, he attended the Bankipore Congress as a delegate and became Secretary of the Home Rule League in Allahabad in 1919.

“In 1916, he met Mahatma Gandhi for the first time, which left a lasting impact on him. He led the first Kisan March in Pratapgarh District, Uttar Pradesh 1920, and was twice imprisoned for his involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22.”

Pandit Nehru’s birth anniversary is also celebrated as Children’s Day in India, a tribute to his affection for children. Known as ‘Chacha Nehru’ for his fondness for young ones, he was deeply committed to their welfare and education.

After his passing in 1964, it was decided that November 14 would be observed as Children’s Day to honour his legacy. The first official celebration took place in 1965, marking the beginning of an annual tradition to promote children’s rights and emphasise their importance in building India’s future.

The day is a significant reminder of India’s commitment to its younger generation. Across the country, schools and institutions organise cultural events, competitions, and activities to celebrate the occasion and promote awareness of children’s rights, welfare, and education.

Cong leaders pay heartfelt tributes to Pandit Nehru

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, posted a tribute on X, saying, “Respectful salutations to the father of modern India, creator of institutions, first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his birth anniversary.”

Reflecting on Pandit Nehru’s legacy, he added, “Democratic, progressive, fearless, visionary, inclusive – these values of ‘Hind ke Jawahar’ are our ideals and the pillars of India and will always remain so.”

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge shared a quote from late PM Nehru, “There should be unity of mind and heart, there should be a feeling of living together…” and hailed him as “Hind ke Jawahar.”

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In a post on X, he wrote, “On the 135th birth anniversary of the ‘Hind ke Jawahar,’ the one who took India from zero to the peak, the architect of modern India, the one who made India a developing country in scientific, economic, industrial, and various fields, the one who constantly gave the message of ‘unity in diversity’ to the country, the fearless sentinel of democracy and our source of inspiration, we remember his unprecedented contribution to the country.”

Kharge also shared an excerpt from Pandit Nehru’s ‘The Discovery of India’, which reads, “I was also fully aware of the diversities and divisions of Indian life, of the classes, castes, religions, races, the different levels of cultural development.

“Yet I believe that a country with a long cultural background and a common outlook on life develops a spirit which is its own and which passes on to all its children, however different they may be among themselves… It was this spirit of India that I was seeking, not out of idle curiosity, but because I felt it might give me a key to understanding my country and people, some guide to thought and action.”

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to Pandit Nehru at Shanti Van in New Delhi.

Earlier, she took to social media, writing, “Fear is the root of all evil in the world. When we achieved independence after decades of struggle and innumerable sacrifices, even then, there were people who used to play politics of scaring and misleading the innocent public. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji strongly opposed them and told the common people – ‘Do not be afraid!'”

“People who spread fear among the public cannot be true representatives of the public. Public servants stand in the forefront with their heads held high so that people can live without fear. Pandit Nehru always taught the public to be fearless and serve selflessly, while on the other hand, he kept the public supreme at every stage of nation-building,” she continued.

“Respectful salute to the creator of modern India,” Priyanka Gandhi concluded, paying her heartfelt tribute to Pandit Nehru.

 

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IANS