Childrens day always makes us nostalgic for our childhood years, when we had no worries other than finishing our homework the following day. Life resembled a colouring book with various vibrant hues neatly nested inside. The happiest time of our life. Childrens day is observed annually in every school and institution in India on 14th November, with great excitement to honor this innocent stage of our life.
Childrens day aims to ensure that every child has the fundamental right to education and to make them feel special. It aims to improve both their present and future. Childrens day emphasises the value of education and information for all young people in the country.
History of Children’s Day
In honor of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, Childrens Day is observed annually on November 14. Children used to nickname him “Chacha Choudhary” affectionately since they loved being around him. Children’s affection for the caring Prime Minister is the primary cause of the term “chachaji. Another factor could be that Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had a close relationship and that Nehru treated Gandhi as an older brother. Hence, the Indian people affectionately referred to Gandhi as “Bapu,” but Nehru was lovingly referred to as “chachaji.”
India used to observe Childrens Day on November 20 before 1964, which is when the entire world celebrates Children’s Day. However, the Indian Parliament proclaimed May 27, the anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth, to be Childrens Day following our beloved Prime Minister’s passing. His popularity with children was well known. Therefore the Indian government chose to designate his birthday as Childrens Day to help people better comprehend his devotion to them.
Jawaharlal Nehru believed that children were a country’s true power and the cornerstone of society. Children’s Day is often observed across the country with educational and inspirational events organised across India by and for kids.
Significance of Children’s Day
We should all be aware of the significance of Childrens Day, observed on November 14 throughout India. Children’s Day aims to ensure that every child has the fundamental right to education as well as access to necessities and a chance at living a fulfilled life. The day is dedicated to improving both their present and future. Children’s Day emphasises the value of education, awareness and information for all young people in the country.
Here are a few main reasons why Childrens Day is so important in India.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was an ardent advocate for children’s rights, welfare, and education. “Tomorrow’s India will be created by today’s children- The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country, ” was what our first Prime Minister always believed. The nation’s future will depend on how we raise them”. These Nehru quotes are inscribed in gold throughout history. It is obvious how much he wanted his beloved children to value education because it develops character and equips them to face problems in the future. He devoted his entire life to promoting children’s fundamental right to an education.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s aim of building strong support for the newly independent India reflected his clear vision for how modern India would look. He was always concerned with educating children, mostly the less fortunate, so they can have a brighter future.
- Some of India’s most important educational institutions, including AIIMS, IIT, and IIM, were built due to Nehru’s policies. He put a lot of effort into realising his idea of what Modern India should look like. Only if India had a robust educational system would modern India be able to stand on solid foundations. When Nehru passed away, he left a legacy of education for Indian children.
Rights of a Child
The Indian Constitution recognises children’s rights and enumerates various rights for their freedom, childhood development, as well as prohibitions against discrimination in educational settings, free and compulsory education, and work in dangerous industries.
The rights of children are outlined in the Indian Constitution as follows:
- All children aged 6 to 14 have the right to receive a free, required primary education.
- Protection against any dangerous jobs or mistreatment of any kind.
- The right to proper early care and education
- Right to be shielded from having to work jobs not suited to their strength or age to meet any kind of financial obligation.
- The right to equitable and fair opportunities for growth on a whole
- Right to freedom, respect for human dignity, and total protection from exploitation.
In honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as independent India’s first prime minister, November 14 is observed nationwide as Childrens Day. The freedom warrior and politician were recognised for having the greatest love and affection for children, earning him the nickname “Chacha Nehru” from them. The day is recognised as Childrens Day in recognition of his contributions to educational efforts and the love of children. Donating to a reputable NGO like Save the Children on this Childrens Day will brighten your festivities and make a difference in the life of a child.
