The Congress party on Thursday, November 14, commemorated the 135th birth anniversary of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, with floral tributes and heartfelt messages celebrating his enduring legacy.

November 14, observed as Children’s Day in India, marks a special remembrance of Nehru’s contributions as a leader of democratic, inclusive, and progressive values.

Leading the tributes, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Nehru’s ideals “the cornerstone of India,” affirming his democratic, fearless, and visionary legacy.

Sharing his tribute on X, Gandhi said, “Respectful salutations to the father of modern India, creator of institutions, first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his birth anniversary. Democratic, progressive, fearless, visionary, inclusive – these values of ‘Jewish of India’ are our ideals and the pillars of Hindustan and will always remain so.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailed Nehru as the “architect of modern India,” highlighting his role in propelling India from its nascent stage to a nation of growing global influence. On the 135th birth anniversary of ‘Hind ke Jawahar,’ we remember his role in fostering unity in diversity and his significant contributions to science, economy, and industry, Kharge said, referencing Nehru’s emphasis on national unity and democratic ideals.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid floral respects at Nehru’s memorial, Shantivan, and shared a message inspired by Nehru’s words against fear.

In her message on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, “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 ji always taught the people to be fearless and serve without fear, and on the other hand kept the public supreme at every stage of nation building.”

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled that on Nehru’s 60th birthday in 1949, an Abhinandan Granth was presented to the prime minister by eminent Indian leaders, including Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Ramesh announced the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund’s initiative to launch a multimedia digital archive of Nehru’s work, set to release on his next birth anniversary in 2025.

Congress leaders K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh also praised Nehru’s unique role in India’s history and his commitment to secularism, social welfare, and democratic principles.

On its official X handle, the Congress party stated, “He laid the foundation for a modern and self-reliant India, giving her wings to reach for the stars.” It added, “Today, we honour his unmatched and exemplary legacy.”