Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children’s Day, popularly known as ‘Bal Diwas’. On this day, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, commonly known as Chacha Nehru, was born. Nehru was a vocal advocate for children’s education and rights. He thought that an inclusive education system could only benefit a nation.
His viewpoint stressed the significance of children as the country’s future and the foundation of society. He founded the Children’s Film Society India in 1955 to represent Indian children.
History
On November 5, 1948, “Flower Day” was honored as the inaugural Children’s Day. The Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW) attempted to raise cash for the United Nations Appeal for Children (UNAC) by selling “flower tokens.” In 1954, Nehru’s birthday was designated as Children’s Day.
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Children’s Day was first marked in India on November 20, the same day as the United Nations commemorates World Children’s Day. However, following the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, the Indian Parliament issued a resolution designating Nehru’s birthday as Children’s Day.
Significance
Children’s Day is extremely important because it serves as a platform to promote awareness about children’s education, rights, and the need for universal access to care. “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow,” remarked Jawaharlal Nehru, emphasizing the importance of children in determining the country’s future.
Celebrations
Children’s Day is celebrated with love, presents, and pampering of pupils. Teachers organize special activities and performances for pupils, which may include quizzes, debates, art, singing, and dancing. As part of the celebrations and festivities, presents such as books and cards are exchanged. Students in the national capital, Delhi, will not be able to celebrate this year since the state government has halted schools until November 18 due to growing pollution levels around the city.
