New Delhi : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, terming him the "jewel of India". He emphasised that his vision of a progressive and inclusive nation continues to guide the party's efforts today.
In a post on X, Gandhi said that Nehru dreamt of a modern, scientific, progressive, and self-confident India, which remains an inspiration until today. "With respectful homage on the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the jewel of India and the country’s first Prime Minister. Freedom was not their destination, but a milestone in the nation’s new journey. Swaraj was not about power, but about every citizen’s participation and responsibility for the country’s future," he said.
Reflecting on Nehru's foundational ideals, he added, "India was a quest, an idea for them; diversity as its strength, democracy as its faith, and equality as its foundation. Their dream of a modern, scientific, progressive, and self-confident India remains our inspiration today. And our efforts to build that India are the true tribute to them."
Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described Nehru as a "revolutionary, a visionary, and a builder."
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi wrote, "Jawaharlal Nehru was that unique human being - a revolutionary, a visionary and a builder. The fact that he is still attacked by those who seek to destroy our constitution and our democracy more than sixty years after his death is a testament to his steadfast commitment to India. May his love for our country guide us always."
Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge recalled that Nehru's visionary thinking, strong leadership, and unwavering resolve gave new direction to India’s social, political and economic development.
In a post on X, Kharge extended warm greetings on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. "With heartfelt respect on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister, whose historic contributions laid the foundation for a strong, modern, democratic and progressive nation after India’s independence," he said.
He emphasised that Nehru had a deep faith in democracy, equality, secularism and scientific thinking, adding that he had a special affection for children. "He had a deep faith in democracy, equality, secularism and scientific thinking. He always dreamed of an India where every citizen would have equal opportunities without discrimination, and all would move forward with a spirit of unity, brotherhood and national interest," he said.
"His special affection for children and his dedication to their education and bright future remind us that the country’s future lies in the hands of our coming generations," he added.
Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. He breathed his last on May 27, 1964. He became the prime minister on August 15, 1947, following an active role in the freedom struggle of the country.
After the death of Nehru, it was unanimously decided to celebrate his birthday as 'Bal Diwas' or Children's Day in India. On this day, a number of activities are organised for students in schools nationwide, such as games, competitions, and so on, while government bodies pay tribute to the late prime minister and organise commemorative events on this day.