The nation today remembers freedom fighter Pandit Motilal Nehru on his 150th birth anniversary. Addressing a commemorative function organized at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, President Pranab Mukherjee called on every Indian to imbibe the noble values of the great freedom fighter that includeed tolerance, rational thinking and respect for democratic values and institutions. Mr. Mukherjee said, Motilal Nehru who chaired the Nehru Commission in 1928 was instrumental in preparing the first draft constitution written by Indians. Mr. Mukherjee said, all the important ingredients of participative democracy propounded by Motilal Nehru are enshrined in the present Indian constitution.
Speaking on the occasion, UPA Chairperson and Congress President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said, Motilal Nehru believed that the county was above any community or sect. She said, Motilal Nehru was a committed soldier to freedom struggle and was twice president of the Indian National Congress. Mrs. Gandhi said, Motilal Nehru laid the foundation of modern inclusive parliamentary democracy. She also asked the citizens to counter the extremist and deviant forces that are challenging well laid out democratic values of equality and social justice. She said, Motilal Nehru had always laid stress on communal harmony and secularism.
Commemorative Coins of Rs. 5 and Rs.150 and commemorative stamps were also released marking the ocassion of the 150th birth Anniversary of Motilal Nehru.
Defence Minister A.K Antony, Finance Minister P.Chidambaram, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, National Implementation committee Chairman Dr. Karan Singh and Culture Minister Km. Selja and distinguished members were present on the occasion.