Children’s Day 2024: Fascinating facts about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (Chacha Nehru) you probably didn't know

Children’s Day 2024: Every year on 14th November, India celebrates Children’s Day to honour Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Children lovingly called him Chacha Nehru and remembered him for his dedication to their education and well-being. This special day highlights the importance of childhood and the need to create an environment where children can grow, learn, and flourish.

Schools hold fun activities like cultural programmes, competitions, and games. Families and communities also organise events and celebrations, making children feel cherished and special on this day.

We all know that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister and a prominent freedom fighter. However, there is so much more to his life, including his education, career, and lesser-known facts. Don’t worry—this article covers everything you need to know about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Keep reading!

Who Was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru?

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Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), into a Kashmiri Pandit family. His father, Pandit Motilal Nehru, was a respected lawyer, and his mother, Swarup Rani, was a homemaker. He was the eldest of three siblings, with two sisters, Vijay Lakshmi Pandit and Krishna Hutheesing.

The family lived in Anand Bhavan, a large house bought by his father in 1930. This historic residence became a significant part of India’s freedom struggle and was later donated to the government by Indira Gandhi in 1970. Today, it stands as a museum showcasing India’s history.

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Nehru’s Early Life and Education

• Homeschooled Beginnings: Nehru was taught at home by private tutors until he turned 16.
• University in England: In 1907, he joined Trinity College, Cambridge, and graduated in 1910 with a degree in natural sciences. And later went to London and studied law at Inner Temple Inn and completed his degree in 1910.
• Legal Career: After returning to India in 1912, Nehru trained as a lawyer, just like his father, and even worked at the Allahabad High Court.
• However, Nehru’s interest shifted from law to politics, and he soon became an important leader in India’s fight for independence.

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Jawaharlal Nehru wife and kids

Four years after returning to India, in March 1916, Nehru married Kamala Kaul, who was also from a Kashmiri family that had settled in Delhi. Their only child, Indira Priyadarshini, was born in 1917. She later became India’s Prime Minister, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984, under her married name, Indira Gandhi.

Nehru’s Contribution to India’s Freedom Movement

Nehru played a key role in India’s independence struggle and was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress (INC). He served as the party’s president in 1919 and again in 1928.

• Time in Prison: Nehru spent over 3,259 days in jail during the freedom struggle.
• Call for Independence: In 1927, Nehru was the first leader to demand complete independence from British rule, breaking all colonial ties.

While in prison, Nehru wrote extensively, sharing his thoughts on India’s future and documenting the country’s journey to freedom.

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Books Written by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru was not only a political leader but also an excellent writer. Some of his well-known books include:

• The Discovery of India – A detailed exploration of India’s culture and heritage.
• Glimpses of World History – A collection of letters to his daughter, Indira Gandhi, explaining world history.
• Toward Freedom – His autobiography, written while he was in jail.

His letters to Indira Gandhi, published as Letters from a Father to His Daughter, are still loved by readers and reflect his deep affection for her and his commitment to education.

Interesting Facts About Jawaharlal Nehru

• Nobel Prize Nominations: Nehru was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 11 times between 1950 and 1955 but never won.
• The Architect of Modern India: Nehru earned this title for his contributions to India’s development after independence.
• Historic Speech: His first speech as Prime Minister, “Tryst with Destiny”, delivered on 15th August 1947, is still regarded as one of the most iconic speeches of the 20th century.

Why Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called Chacha Nehru?

There are two well-known reasons behind the origin of the name 'Chacha' Nehru. The most popular one is his deep love for children. The other is linked to his close relationship with Mahatma Gandhi. Before becoming India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a key leader in the Indian freedom struggle. His bond with Mahatma Gandhi was remarkable. Nehru followed Gandhi's principles of non-violence and was respected as a skilled politician and statesman.

Some believe Nehru was called 'Chacha' because of his closeness to Mahatma Gandhi. In Hindi, 'Chacha' means the younger brother of one's father. Since Gandhi was fondly referred to as 'Bapu,' meaning father, many saw Nehru as Gandhi's younger brother, and the nickname 'Chacha' became associated with him.

The more widely accepted reason, however, is his affection for children. Nehru was known for his love and care for young kids, often meeting them with warmth and kindness. This earned him the nickname 'Chacha,' which means a beloved uncle, making him a favourite figure among children.

It was because of this special bond with children that Children's Day is celebrated on his birthday, 14th November, to honour his legacy as a freedom fighter and India's first Prime Minister. Initially, India observed Children's Day on 20th November, along with the rest of the world. However, after Nehru died in 1964, it was decided to celebrate his birthday as Children's Day, or Bal Divas, in recognition of his contributions to the country and his love for children. Since then, 14th November has been a day dedicated to celebrating the nation's favourite 'Chacha.'

Why is Children’s Day Celebrated on Nehru’s Birthday?

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had a special bond with children. He believed that children are the future of a nation and emphasised the importance of their education and well-being. To honour his love and dedication, 14th November was declared Children’s Day in India after his death.

Children remember him fondly as Chacha Nehru, a leader who always encouraged learning, creativity, and equality.

How to Celebrate Children’s Day 2024

This Children’s Day 2024, let us celebrate Nehru’s legacy by promoting the values he believed in—education, kindness, and equal opportunities for all children. Parents, teachers, and communities can come together to make the day special by organising activities that inspire young minds and encourage them to dream big.