Children's Day celebrated in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 14 (UNI) For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir thousands of students and the teachers today gathered in the Maulana Azad Stadium here to celebrate 117th birth anniversary of the first prime minister of India Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Amid tight security arrangements by the administration, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was the chief guest at the function.

It was reportedly the ''largest student gathering'' in the history of the state.

On the occasion, talked about the life of Pt Nehru, who had his roots in the strife-torn state.

Addressing the jam-packed gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised ''Education is not only to earn degree or to get government job... Education is that which helps your country...your society.'' He further called upon the student to opt for the some technical training besides academic qualification.

Meanwhile, the City witnessed a traffic jams due to the heavy rush of special vehicles, carrying students and the teachers, approaching the MA Stadium from every corner of the region.

However, the celebrations remained confined to the coalition partners of the Congress-led state government, as no one from the Opposition attended the function.

Students and the teachers of about 40 schools in far flung areas were not allowed to witness the celebrations as they could not reach the venue in time, sources said.

A colourful programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the region was also presented by the children.

UNI VJ YA HT1940