Nehru remembered on 42nd death anniversary

Manmohan, Sonia, Shivraj Patil and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit placed flowers at the samadhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and several other dignitaries on Saturday paid tribute to the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the 42nd anniversary of his death.

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Nehru, hailed as founder of modern India, died at his New Delhi home at the age of 74 after leading the country for 17 years since independence.

Manmohan, Sonia, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among those who placed flowers at the samadhi of the late leader.

They also joined in interfaith prayers beside Nehru's samadhi at the tightly-guarded Shanti Van in New Delhi.

The early morning memorial service included readings from sacred texts and a solemn flute recital.

Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken, Delhi Lieutenant Governor BL Joshi, former Bihar Governor Buta Singh, former Youth Congress leader MS Bitta, DPCC chief Ram Babu Sharma were among those present at the memorial service.

An audio recording of one of Nehru's speeches was also played after the prayers.

Many visitors left carnations, lillies and bouquets of roses on the fence after they filed past the samadhi to pay their respects.

A group of Congress activists wearing 'Nehru topis' chanted slogans in honour of the late leader at the end of the service.