Ajay Rai says Nehru laid the foundation of modern India and world-class institutions
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee observed the death anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Jawaharlal Nehru at the party headquarters in Lucknow.
The programme was held under the chairmanship of UP Congress President Ajay Rai and included a seminar on the theme “Kal, Aaj Aur Kal” (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow), organised by the party’s Ideas Department under the coordination of its chairman H L Dusadh.
The event began with Ajay Rai offering floral tributes to Nehru’s portrait. The seminar proceedings were conducted by Surendra Yadav.
Addressing party workers and leaders, Ajay Rai described Jawaharlal Nehru as a visionary statesman who laid the foundation of modern India. He said Nehru’s contribution towards building world-class institutions and strengthening infrastructure after Independence helped the country achieve progress across multiple sectors.
The Congress leader also criticised the present central government, alleging that instead of building institutions, it was focused on renaming them. Referring to contemporary political issues, Ajay Rai further alleged misuse of technology and political vendetta in connection with a recent case related to Mahoba, and asserted that the Congress party would continue raising public issues fearlessly.
Former Lucknow University political science professor Ramesh Dixit said Nehru’s personality and vision earned global recognition and that his commitment to secularism and inclusive values remains reflected in the Indian Constitution.
Former minister and Media Department Chairman C P Rai said Nehru played a key role in building a prosperous India after Independence and established the country as a global leader through the Panchsheel principles and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Senior Congress leader Badri Vishal Tiwari stressed the need to strengthen democratic values and constitutional principles inspired by Nehru’s ideology.
Congress leader Siddharth Anand described Nehru as a farsighted architect of modern India who promoted democracy, scientific thinking, education, industrial development and social harmony. Referring to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi, he said the country is currently facing an ideological battle and there is a need to embrace broader and progressive thinking inspired by Nehru.
Professor Mohibul Haq from the political science department of Aligarh Muslim University said Nehru’s ideas on secularism and communal harmony have become increasingly relevant in present times.
National Vice President of the Congress Ideas Department Neeta Mishra and Congress leader Prakash Mishra also addressed the gathering and appealed to party workers to spread Nehru’s ideas among the public.
Several senior Congress leaders, former legislators, academicians and party workers attended the event in large numbers to pay tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru and participate in the seminar.
