20 Interesting Jawaharlal Nehru Facts for Kids

Every Indian child looks forward to a special day (apart from their birthday!) when they’ll be showered upon with love and wishes, much pomp and show, and gifts and sweets! You guessed it right it’s Children’s Day, which falls on the 14^th of November, and is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as ‘Chacha Nehru’. On this occasion, amidst the celebrations, take some time to teach your kids these interesting facts about Jawaharlal Nehru.

Early Life and Family of Jawaharlal Nehru

1. Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad to Motilal Nehru and Swaruprani Thussu. He had two younger sisters who both grew up to become prominent personalities in their own right.

2. Nehru grew up in the famous Anand Bhavan, which his daughter Indira Gandhi later donated to the Indian government in 1970 and is now a historic house museum.

3. Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14th November 1889 in Allahabad to Motilal Nehru and Swaruprani Thussu, and had two younger sisters who both grew up to become prominent personalities.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Education and Career

1. In the year 1916, he married Kamala Kaul. Their daughter, Indira Gandhi, was born the next year. She would grow up to become the first (and till date, the only) female Prime Minister of India.

Nehru’s Role in India’s Independence

1. Nehru developed a keen interest in Indian politics during his student days in Britain and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence. He was among the first leaders to suggest the idea of complete independence from British rule.

2. He was imprisoned for the first time ever in 1929.

3. He participated and led several marches and demonstrations, and was imprisoned several times. His passion to establish an independent India with equality for every individual was strong enough to make him persevere through his times in jail.

4. The very first speech Nehru made as the first Prime Minister of independent India, titled ‘Tryst with Destiny’, is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of the 20^th century.

Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister

1. Some of India’s most prestigious institutions including AIIMS, IITs, IIMs and NITs were established under Nehru’s leadership. He also introduced several reforms to eradicate social injustices and maintain harmony across India’s diverse communities.

2. On August 15, 1947, India gained its independence from British rule. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India and served in this position for 17 years, making him the longest-serving prime minister in the history of India.

3. Nehru was a strong advocate of world peace and disarmament. He consistently voiced opposition to nuclear weapons and promoted peaceful coexistence among nations.

4. One of Nehru’s notable contributions was laying the foundation of a secular state. 

5. He believed that religion and governance should remain separate for the unity and integrity of a diverse country like India.

Nehru’s Love for Children — Why He Is Called Chacha Nehru

1. Jawaharlal Nehru was fondly called “Chacha Nehru” by children all over India. He had a great love for children and believed that they were the future of the nation.

2. Nehru played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence against British rule. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and worked tirelessly for the freedom of the country.

Interesting Facts About Chacha Nehru

Before we delve into facts about the man himself, did you know that 14^th November wasn’t always the date that India celebrated Children’s Day? 

1. Nehru’s classic clothing style is still present and followed till today, with the ‘Gandhi cap’ and ‘Nehru Jacket’ being easily identifiable pieces. He was called Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru because of his roots in the Kashmiri Pandit family.

2. Nehru has authored books such as The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, as well as his autobiography, Towards Freedom. A collection of his letters to his daughter when she was 10 years old and away at boarding school has been compiled and published as the book Letters from a Father to a Daughter.

3. Following his death on 27th May 1964, around 1.5 million assembled in Delhi’s streets the next day to mourn their beloved Jawaharlal Nehru.

4. Jawaharlal Nehru, along with leaders like Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia and Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. 

5. Nehru strongly believed that science and technology were essential for a nation’s progress.

There you go, some basic and interesting facts about the man whose birthday we happily observe every year as Children’s Day! This November 14^th, celebrate the occasion with fun games and activities, and give your kids the gift of knowledge with these fun facts as well!

Happy Children’s Day!

Also Read:

Essay on Children’s Day
15 Best Children’s Day Gift Ideas for Children
20 Interesting Celebration Ideas and Activities for Children’s Day

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