Every year, November 14 brings two things together in India: school celebrations for Children's Day and a renewed political debate over the legacy of the country's first Prime Minister. This year was no different. On Saturday, the Congress leadership marked Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary with tributes that celebrated his vision and also defended his place in history.

In separate posts on X, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra presented Nehru as the architect of a modern, scientific and inclusive India, and described his ideals as a guide for today.

Rahul Gandhi: India as "an idea"

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described independence as the start of a longer journey rather than its end.

"With humble reverence on the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Jewel of India and India's first Prime Minister. Freedom was not their destination, but a milestone in the nation's new journey. Swaraj was not about power, but about every citizen's participation and responsibility for the country's future," he wrote.

He added that Nehru saw India as a quest built on diversity, democracy and equality. "Their dream of a modern, scientific, progressive, and confident India remains our inspiration today. And our efforts to build that India are the true tribute to them," he said.

Kharge links Nehru's legacy to today's children

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge focused on the years after Independence. He said that despite the many challenges facing the young nation, Nehru's visionary thinking, strong leadership and determination gave new direction to India's social, political and economic development.

Kharge said Nehru had deep faith in democracy, equality, secularism and scientific thinking, and wanted an India where every citizen had equal opportunities without discrimination.

Tying the occasion to Children's Day, he said: "His special affection for children and his dedication to their education and bright future remind us that the country's future lies in the hands of our coming generations." He then urged renewed efforts so that every child gets quality education and equal opportunities.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's pointed remark

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's tribute was the most politically charged of the three. "Jawaharlal Nehru was that unique human being -- a revolutionary, a visionary and a builder. The fact that he is still attacked by those who seek to destroy our Constitution and our democracy more than sixty years after his death is a testament to his steadfast commitment to India. May his love for our country guide us for always," she wrote.

Why it matters

Nehru led India from 1947 until his death in 1964, and his birthday has been celebrated as Children's Day in memory of his fondness for children, who called him "Chacha Nehru". But his legacy, from economic planning and scientific institutions to foreign policy, is still one of the most debated topics in Indian politics.

For the Congress, the anniversary is a chance to present his founding ideas of secularism, scientific temper and democratic participation as values worth defending today. Supporters see these tributes as protecting the nation's founding ideals. Critics have often questioned parts of his record. Either way, the debate shows how much Nehru still shapes India's political identity, more than six decades after his death.

This story is based on posts shared by Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on their official X accounts.