Rahul Gandhi Says Nehru’s Democratic Vision Continues to Guide India
By Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Congress leaders on Wednesday paid homage to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 62nd death anniversary, recalling his role in shaping modern India’s democratic and institutional foundations.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi offered floral tributes to Nehru at Shanti Van in New Delhi, while several party leaders highlighted his contributions to democracy, scientific progress, secularism and social justice.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi described Nehru as a visionary leader whose ideals continue to inspire the nation. “On the death anniversary of the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, humble tributes are paid to him,” he wrote.
Rahul Gandhi said Nehru devoted his life to building “an inclusive, harmonious, and progressive nation” while laying “the strong foundation of modern India.”
“His visionary leadership, rooted in freedom, democratic principles, constitutional rights, social justice, and a scientific temper, will continue to guide us forever,” he added.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also remembered Nehru’s commitment to public welfare and inclusive governance. Sharing one of Nehru’s reflections on compassion and governance, she wrote: “Kaam ka paimana yeh hai ki mulk mein aise kitne log hain jinki aankhon se aansoo behte hain aur unmein se kitne aansoo humne ponchhe, kitne aansoo humne kam kiye.”
She said Nehru believed that true national progress could only be achieved when citizens lived with dignity and prosperity. Priyanka Gandhi credited him with establishing major institutions in education, healthcare, science, technology, agriculture and industry that continue to play a crucial role in India’s development.
Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh also paid tribute to Nehru while criticising the Narendra Modi government over what he termed attempts to diminish Nehru’s legacy.
“Jawaharlal Nehru passed away 62 years ago today. He continues to be studied and analysed, as well as both criticised and applauded,” Ramesh said, adding that Nehru’s contributions to modern India and scientific thinking could not be erased.
Nehru served as India’s first Prime Minister from 1947 until his death in 1964 and played a defining role in shaping the country’s democratic institutions, planned economic framework and foreign policy doctrine of non-alignment. He is also credited with laying the foundation of major scientific and industrial institutions, including IITs, public sector enterprises and large infrastructure projects.
Photo: Bir Bahadur Yadav