Visit to the Nehru Museum

To learn through observing, analysing and understanding is an integral part of PYP. To further their inquiry into the current unit ‘Revolutions’ and broaden their horizons, students of Grade 4 visited the Nehru Museum built in tribute to our country’s first Prime Minister.

On a pleasant morning of 4^th December, Pathwayzians boarded the buses with excitement in their voices and a spring in their steps. They braved the early morning rush hour to New Delhi chatting and interacting with their friends and teachers.

Students toured the huge corridors and rooms of the museum admiring the décor and the efforts put in by the government to preserve the history of the Indian freedom struggle.

The museum showcases the life of Jawahar Lal Nehru in context to the independence struggle. Various movements that were a part of the Indian freedom struggle – Indian National Congress, Civil Disobedience Movement, Chauri Chaura, Simon Go back, Indian National Army, Quit India movement, the trial of Rajguru, Bhagat singh and Sukh, Jallian Wala Bagh massacre etc are depicted through photographs, carefully preserved articles of newspapers of an erstwhile era and letters written by the revolutionaries. Both peaceful and violent means of fighting against aggression and upper handedness by the British monarchy were displayed remarkably.

The role of women in the freedom struggle also had its place. Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Nehru, Kasturba Gandhi – all seemed to be a symbol of poise and aplomb.

Photographs of Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Jai Prakash Narayan, Annie Besant, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vinoba Bhave were displayed. Manuscripts of ‘Discovery of India’ by Nehru, autobiography of Gandhi ji and letters written by fighters are carefully preserved in original.

A massive granite rock placed in the front lawn is inscribed with excerpts from the historic 'Tryst with Destiny' speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru in the midnight session of the Indian Constituent Assembly on 14-15 August, 1947.

Students showed immense interest in learning about the leadership, faith, courage, determination of our great leaders. They returned from the trip inspired, motivated, empowered with the knowledge and uniqueness of the rich and diverse freedom struggle. Overall the experience did leave a mark on their innocent souls and they were not left untouched by the efforts of the revolutionaries. In fact, they learnt to value and respect our freedom all the more.