Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his 125th birth anniversary, which also coincides with Children’s Day.

Modi, in a post on X, recalled Nehru’s contributions to the freedom struggle and his leadership during India’s formative years.

“Today we mark the 125th birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. My tributes to him. We remember Pandit Nehru’s efforts during the freedom struggle and his role as the first Prime Minister of India,” Modi wrote.

Born on November 14, 1889, Nehru—affectionately known as “Chacha Nehru”—was a key figure in India’s freedom movement and a principal architect of the nation’s early democratic and developmental roadmap.

His emphasis on democracy, secularism, scientific temper, and institution-building continues to influence India’s political and intellectual discourse.

The 125th birth anniversary has prompted renewed reflection on Nehru’s ideals, with historians noting that his leadership during India’s transition from colonial rule to an independent republic laid the foundation for the country’s foreign policy, industrial growth, and parliamentary system.

Meanwhile, to mark Children’s Day, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has announced a special joy ride for specially-abled and visually-impaired children on November 14.

The heritage train journey from Siliguri to Rongtong is being organised in partnership with an NGO, aiming “to make the joy of rail travel and the charm of the hills accessible to every child,” a DHR official said.

The official added that the penultimate phase of the ‘Shatabdi’ march—commemorating 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in Darjeeling—will be held from Rongtong to Sukna on Saturday.

After the march, children from Rongtong will also experience a heritage train ride. DHR will additionally conduct the final round of its ‘Iron Sherpa’ competition on Thursday to recognise standout all-round students from the region.