by Sunina Suneja
“Children’s Day” as our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday on November 14th came to be celebrated as, always recalls to my mind the memory of my parents taking me to Teen
Murti, his official residence, to greet him. Known to be fond and caring of children, Teen Murti lawns would apparently open on that day to welcome children and their accompanying parents.
All lined up and waiting for Nehruji’s arrival, the crowds must have been abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Being very young on that occasion, I have little memory of the prevailing ambience although I do remember lots of people and as my mother would tell me over the years, they were all dressed up for this festive occasion. I was standing in the front row with my parents.
Nehruji arrived to walk amongst the gathering and the noise levels rose. He was garlanded by many and he would take off a few of them and hand them over and garland one of the kids in front of him.
He finally stood in front of me and I remember distinctly his smile and his not just offering but wanting to put one of the garlands around me. My arms were folded and I shook my head, “NO!”. He was amused and tried again, but I was adamant and stood my ground. My mother was embarrassed (but at that moment I was unaware!) and tried to gently convince me to let Nehruji garland me or least that I should accept from him the garland of marigolds he was offering so graciously to me. But it was she who finally had to accept it on my behalf and I am sure I heard our Prime Minister chuckle, he was not used to hearing such an emphatic “NO” !
