PM Modi, Kharge and Sonia Gandhi Pay Tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on His 137th Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 137th birth anniversary on Saturday as India marked Children’s Day. “Paying tribute to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary,” Modi wrote on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled Nehru’s role in the freedom struggle and his leadership in the early years of independence. His contribution, Singh wrote on X, “left an enduring imprint on the formative years of our nation”.

Kharge and Sonia Gandhi lay flowers at Shanti Vana

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes at Nehru’s memorial at Shanti Vana in New Delhi. They joined other Congress leaders in releasing balloons in the colours of the national flag.

In a separate post on X, Kharge credited Nehru with laying the foundations of a modern, democratic India. He recalled Nehru’s commitment to equality, secularism and scientific thinking, and said his emphasis on children’s education reflected his belief in equal opportunity.

Why India celebrates Children’s Day on November 14

Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in what is now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. After playing an active role in the freedom struggle, he became independent India’s first prime minister on August 15, 1947. He held the office until his death on May 27, 1964.

Known affectionately as ‘Chacha Nehru’, he was remembered for his fondness for children. After his death, India designated his birthday as Children’s Day, also known as Bal Diwas. The United Nations observes World Children’s Day on November 20.

Schools across India mark November 14 with games, competitions and other activities for students. Government bodies also hold commemorative events in Nehru’s memory.

With inputs from ANI