Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday lauded the role of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the country's development as the central government launched a portal, released commemorative coins and started the National Bal Swachhta Mission to mark his 125th birth anniversary.Nehru's birth anniversary is also celebrated every year as Children's Day.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among the leaders who paid tributes to Nehru.Inaugurating a function here to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Nehru, Rajnath Singh described him as "rashtra purush" (national icon) and urged people to imbibe a scientific temperament.Officials said Rajnath Singh presided over the function as Modi is on a visit abroad.Rajnath Singh said Pandit Nehru continues to get the love and respect of the people because of his personality, commitment and contribution to the nation and connect with the people.
He said Nehru steered the nation at a crucial juncture, gave it a new direction and a "modern identity".Rajnath Singh lauded Nehru for his inclusiveness and said the leader "had an accommodating approach" even towards his political opponents.He said Nehru had faith in the maturity and capability of Indians."That is why India has today become the largest democracy," he said.Referring to Nehru adopting a mixed economy model, the minister said he was "a pragmatic person" and made contributions to foreign policy, science and technology, planning and industrial development."We should not say something which could tarnish the nation's image or instil a sense of fear among the people," he said.Rajnath Singh thanked the prime minister "in taking a lead in celebrating Nehru's 125th birth anniversary in a befitting manner".The minister released two commemorative coins in the memory of Nehru, brought out by the finance ministry.He also launched a portal on Nehru which contains his photographs, audio-video recordings, selected works and various aspects of his personality.Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said Rs.20 crore had been given to the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) this year for a series of activities including the launch of the Nehru portal, publication of his selected works and renovation of the museum.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi offered floral tributes at Shanti Vana - the memorial of Nehru on the banks of the Yamuna river.Modi paid tributes to Nehru in a tweet. "We remember Pandit Nehru's efforts during the freedom struggle and his role as the first prime minister of India," he said.Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi launched the National Bal Swachhta Mission, which is part of the nationwide cleanliness drive - Swachh Bharat - launched Oct 2.The nationwide mission includes six themes: clean anganwadis, clean surroundings, clean self, clean food, clean drinking water and clean toilets."During the Bal Swachhta Week from Nov 14-19, one of the above themes would be covered at each anganwadi centre in the states," a ministry statement said.Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the National Children Assembly and Integration Camp at the National Bal Bhavan, which was attended by over 4,500 children from Delhi.Around 500 children from Bal Bhavan and Bal Kendras across the country participated in the function.
She also announced that on Nov 17, which is also the International Student's Day, a group of children would be invited to the ministry to interact with her.
President Pranab Mukherjee gave away awards to children for their various achievements. The awards were given in two categories - Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award to inpiduals and National Award for Child Welfare to institutions and inpiduals.Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar addressed students and introduced them to the green features of the New Paryavaran Bhavan.An initiative to rehabilitate the city's child rag pickers was also launched in the capital on Children's Day. Several minor children were rescued on the first day and reunited with their families.