Children's Day in India is annually celebrated on 14th November. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the rights, welfare and education of children.
This day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India who was known to have fond of children and that's why he was also called "Chacha Nehru" which means "Uncle Nehru" dearly by the children.
Nehru considered children as the real strength of a nation and foundation of society. The nation usually celebrates Children's Day with educational and motivational programs held across India, by and for children.
| Event | Children's Day India |
|---|---|
| Date | November 14, 2022 |
| Day | Monday |
| Significance | The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Observed by | India |
Children's Day India History:
In India, between 1947 and 1954, Children's Day was observed on 20th November every year in sync with the World Children's Day. However, to honor the efforts of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in uplifting children, India celebrated Children's Day on the birth anniversary of Nehru for the first time on 14th November 1957, following a government edict on official notice. Since then, 14th November has been observed as Children's Day in India every year. While Nehru's birthday (14th November) had publicly been celebrated all over India since 1947, with public meetings being organised to pay tribute to him and games for children being held; it was only in 1954 that the day was first celebrated as "Children's Day".
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born to a family of Kashmiri Brahmans on November 14, 1889 at Allahabad. His family, who were noted for their administrative aptitude and scholarship, had migrated to Delhi early in the 18th century. He was a son of Motilal Nehru, a renowned lawyer and leader of the Indian independence movement, who became one of Mahatma Gandhi's prominent associates. Jawaharlal was the eldest of four children, two of whom were girls. A sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, later became the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly.
He received his early education at home under private tutors. At the age of fifteen, he went to England and after two years at Harrow, joined Cambridge University where he took his tripos in Natural Sciences. He was later called to the Bar from Inner Temple. He returned to India in 1912 and plunged straight into politics. Even as a student, he had been interested in the struggle of all nations who suffered under foreign domination. He took keen interest in the Sinn Fein Movement in Ireland. In India, he was inevitably drawn into the struggle for independence.
He later went on to become the first Prime Minister of independent India (1947–64). He is considered to be the architect of modern India and contributed immensely towards the development of the country. Jawaharlal Nehru was affectionately called Chacha Nehru ("Uncle Nehru") by children, and their faith in him was a constant source of happiness for him. As the Prime Minister, Nehru wanted to "create an atmosphere in the country where the attention is constantly focused on children and their welfare". He had also established Children's Film Society India in 1955 so that Indian children could see themselves represented.
About Nehru's concern for children and their welfare, M. O. Mathai wrote in his book My Days With Nehru (1979), "Nehru saw in their innocent faces and sparkling eyes the future of India. He was convinced that no amount of money spent on children and their mothers was too much, and that it was a sound investment for the future." Since underprivileged families find it almost impossible to make ends meet, let alone provide their children with education because of poverty, Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to do away with these barriers and advocated free primary education for all children. To commemorate these efforts, we celebrate Children's Day on his birthday.
Children's Day India Significance:
Nehru is known for his utmost care, love & affection for children, the biggest reason why kids call him "Chacha Nehru''. Another reason is Nehru's closeness with Mahatma Gandhi as he considered him as his elder brother. It turned out that Nehru came to be known as "Chacha Nehru". Defining the importance of Children's Day, he worked for their education & overall development throughout his life. He was a strong advocate of the fact that a country could only flourish by ensuring the prosperity of children. Nehru laid great emphasis on education as a tool to nourish the caliber of young minds.
Nehru believed that a nurturing environment for children today would produce the most outstanding leaders and flagbearers of future India in the future. On Children's Day, we honor the great man and his efforts to provide for the well-being of all children. As he famously said that "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country." He also took many steps in improving the education of the country as he laid the Foundation for it since he was the first Prime Minister so tribute is offered to him on this day for all of his contributions.
This day promotes care and welfare of the children in the society. As when India got independence from the United Kingdom the country was in a precarious position as over 70% of its population was under poverty and about only 16% of the population was literate so at that time it was important to spread the message for child care and welfare along with education. Even today India is a developing country so this day still works as a way to spread the awareness about the importance of care, welfare and education of the children for the overall development of the nation.
Today, this day specially focuses on awareness regarding child education. As education is the foundation of a child's future well-being. Children’s education creates various opportunities to help them live better lives. It can also help shape the society at large. With the right education, a child can help the country develop and progress at a faster pace. Education can help children build their career. It can make them successful in more ways than one. It makes them capable to earn money, be financially independent, and achieve their goals in life. Education makes children responsible citizens who are able to contribute to the country's progress.
That's why today this day is mostly celebrated in educational institutions across the country. This day also encourages adults to show their love and affection towards the children as they deserves all of the care and attention on this day. It is very important for a proper development of a child that enough love and affection is given to him. We know that children are innocent and how we treat them today is definitely gonna impact their mental state and personality for the future. So for that it is very important today that we always treat children nicely and that is the message of this day.
Children's Day India Celebrations:
Children's Day is celebrated all over India to honor the birth anniversary of Pandit Nehru. There are many functions, events & programs organized by schools and other educational institutions to celebrate the day with fun & motivational activities. In many places as a way of tribute garland is also offered to Jawaharlal Nehru photos or statues as part of the celebrations.
On this day children are often given gifts, toys, sweets and other exciting gifts either by their parents or at schools by their teachers. Patents often use this opportunity to get more connected with their kids. Some also plan trips or picnics with their children or goes for an outing for recreational activities like theme parks, restaurants, shopping, cinemas, etc.
Mostly the celebrations of this day take place at schools or educational institutions across the country. Although it is not a public holiday but during this day, children ditch school uniforms and comes in colour dresses for just having a fun time of celebrations of the day without any study schedule.
In schools, Children's Day celebration starts with reciting stage speeches on Pandit Nehru. Children are dressed up in a particular theme like angels or as Nehru. They give stage performances, dance, sing, or even drama. While in some schools, teachers also perform for entertaining the children.
Apart from celebrating Children's Day in schools or colleges, we, as a citizen, can bring a difference into the lives of underprivileged children. We can donate food, clothes, books, or anything that brings a smile to their faces and show our gratitude towards them. Parties and celebrations happen all the time, but by contributing even a little towards their necessities, we can make a big difference.
Most Searched FAQs on Children's Day India:
1. When is Children's Day in India celebrated?
Children's Day in India is annually celebrated on 14th November.
2. What does Children's Day in India commemorates?
Children's Day in India commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
3. What is the importance of Children's Day in India?
It commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, who, due to his love for children, was fondly known as Chacha Nehru. The day emphasizes the importance of giving love, attention, and affection to children.