New Delhi: India is observing the 137th birth anniversary of its first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other political leaders paying tributes to the veteran leader. The day is also celebrated as Children’s Day across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to pay his respects to Nehru on his birth anniversary. In his message, Modi remembered the country’s first Prime Minister and offered tributes to him.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also recalled Nehru’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his leadership during the early years after Independence.
Singh said Nehru had left an enduring mark on the formative years of nation-building through his contributions and leadership.
Kharge, Sonia Gandhi pay floral tributes at Shantivan
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid floral tributes at the memorial of Jawaharlal Nehru at Shantivan in New Delhi.
They were joined by other senior Congress leaders. The leaders also released balloons in the colours of the national flag as a mark of respect.
In a separate post on X, Kharge described Nehru as one of the key architects of modern and democratic India, saying he had laid a strong foundation for the country’s development.
Kharge highlighted Nehru’s commitment to equality, secularism and scientific thinking. He also recalled the former Prime Minister’s emphasis on children’s education, saying it reflected his belief in providing equal opportunities to every child.
Why is Children’s Day celebrated on November 14?
Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He actively participated in India’s freedom movement and became the country’s first Prime Minister on August 15, 1947, when India gained Independence.
He continued to serve as Prime Minister until his death on May 27, 1964.
Known for his affection towards children, Nehru was fondly called ‘Chacha Nehru’. Following his death, his birth anniversary was designated as Children’s Day in India in recognition of his love for children and his emphasis on their education and welfare.
Paying tribute to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2026
The occasion is also known as ‘Bal Diwas’.
While India celebrates Children’s Day on November 14, the United Nations observes World Children’s Day on November 20.
Schools across the country mark the occasion by organising sports events, cultural programmes, competitions and other activities for children. The celebrations also highlight the importance of children’s rights, education, equal opportunities and overall development.
हिंद के जवाहर, भारत के प्रथम प्रधानमंत्री पंडित जवाहरलाल नेहरू जी की जयंती पर सादर नमन।
आज़ादी उनकी मंज़िल नहीं, देश के नए सफ़र का मुकाम थी। स्वराज सत्ता नहीं, हर नागरिक की भागीदारी और देश के भविष्य की ज़िम्मेदारी थी।
भारत उनके लिए एक खोज, एक विचार था – विविधता जिसकी शक्ति, लोकतंत्र जिसका विश्वास और समानता जिसका आधार हो।
एक आधुनिक, वैज्ञानिक, प्रगतिशील और आत्मविश्वासी भारत का उनका सपना आज भी हमारी प्रेरणा है। और उस सपने के भारत की ओर हमारा प्रयास ही उन्हें सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 14, 2026
