 "Children's Day 2018: Snippets of Jawaharlal Nehru's life in black and white")
Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly called "Chacha Nehru". was a favourite among kids. His books on Indian history and world history, written for his daughter Indira Gandhi, are read by school children. One of them has even been made into a television series.
During his tenure as Prime Minister of India between 1947 and 1964, the country was wooed by both, the United States and the erstwhile Soviet Union, to beome an ally during the Cold War.
India started celebrating Children's Day in 1959, on November 20, as it was the universal Children's Day designated by the United Nations. Following Nehru's death in 1964, it was unanimously decided to celebrate his birthday as Bal Diwas in the country, due to his love and affection for children.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 8:30 in the morning of August 15, 1947. He took office as the Prime Minister of India that day, and delivered his inaugural address titled "Tryst with Destiny".
After the Constitution of India was adopted in 1950, Nehru embarked on an ambitious programme of economic, social and political reforms. It was under his tenure that India transitioned from a colony to a republic, while nurturing a plural, multi-party system. Nehru was also the driving force behind the Non-Aligned Movement. He remained in office until his death in 1964.