The Congress party on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge describing him as the architect of modern India. Kharge, along with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, laid floral tributes at Nehru's memorial 'Shantivan' in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on the occasion of his 60th death anniversary. In a message on X, PM Modi sai, "I pay homage to former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary."

In a Hindi post on X, Kharge emphasized that the history of India remains incomplete without the incomparable contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who propelled India forward in scientific, economic, industrial, and various other fields. He hailed Nehru as a dedicated guardian of democracy and a source of inspiration for all.

"Our humble tribute to 'Hind ke Jawahar' on his death anniversary," Kharge said.

Quoting Nehru, Kharge highlighted Nehru's vision for India, emphasizing national protection, progress, and unity as the shared national religion. He stressed Nehru's belief in equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of religion, state, or language barriers.

Kharge underlined that the Congress party continues to follow the path of justice laid down by Nehru.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also paid respects to his great-grandfather, calling Nehru the architect of modern India and the country's first Prime Minister. In a Hindi post on X, Gandhi praised Nehru for dedicating his life to building India through the freedom movement, establishing democracy, secularism, and laying the foundation of the Constitution. He noted that Nehru's values will always guide the Congress party.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh paid glowing tributes to Nehru on his 60th death anniversary, recalling Nehru's last days and his profound connection with Buddhism. Ramesh recounted Nehru's final public interaction in May 1964 and his subsequent days in Dehradun, where the last photo of him alive was taken. Nehru passed away on May 27, 1964, the same day as Buddha Purnima, after writing his final letter to Seiiche Hirose in Japan.

Throughout his life, Nehru was deeply influenced by the life and teachings of the Buddha, with his study and bedroom serving as a testament to this fascination. Ramesh highlighted Nehru's efforts to connect India's ancient history with its new republic, championing the use of Emperor Ashoka's legacy, such as the chakra in the national flag and the Sarnath lion capital as the national emblem.

Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first and longest-serving Prime Minister, passed away in office in 1964.

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