The first generation of post-independence Indian politicians were almost universally members of the freedom struggle. Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi gave an emotional importance to the Gandhi cap, which was regularly worn by Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. Succeeding prime ministers such as Lal Bahadur Shastri and Morarji Desai would continue the tradition. Most members of the Indian Parliament (especially politicians and activists of the Congress party) wore "khadi" clothing and the "Gandhi cap". Large numbers of people donned the cap while celebrating India's independence on August 15 or the promulgation of a republic on January 26.