India marks Nehru’s 136th birth anniversary with nationwide Children’s Day celebrations

India on Thursday observed the 136th birth anniversary of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister, one of the central figures of India’s freedom struggle and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, with leaders across the political spectrum paying tribute to his legacy. The occasion, which coincides annually with Children’s Day, was marked by official ceremonies, school events, and public messages honouring Nehru’s contributions to nation-building.

Nehru championed democratic institutions, secularism, planned economic development, and non-alignment in foreign policy. His leadership during India’s formative years is often regarded as instrumental in shaping the political and developmental framework of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led the tributes, recalling Nehru’s role in shaping India’s early institutions and development vision. Nehru is widely credited with laying the foundation for key national establishments such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These institutions formed part of his broader push to strengthen industrialization, scientific temper, and higher education in the newly independent nation.

Across the country, schools celebrated Children’s Day with cultural programmes, games, special assemblies, and awareness activities on child rights, a tradition rooted in Nehru’s affection for children, who fondly called him “Chacha Nehru.” Teachers and parents highlighted his belief that the nation’s progress depended on empowering its youngest citizens.

Social media platforms saw a mix of tributes, reflections, and political commentary on Nehru’s governance and legacy, reflecting the continued public engagement with his contributions to modern India.

Celebrations and tributes throughout the day underscored his enduring impact on India’s institutions and generations of young citizens.