Children’s Day
“A child can always teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to be always busy with something, and know how to demand with all his might what you want.” – Paulo Coelho
Children are our biggest teachers, as the saying goes: The child is the father of man! We keep learning from them and they keep teaching us at any given opportunity.
This most beautiful and unique creation of God must be celebrated every day, why just one particular day? Still, it’s truly special that a special day is earmarked for children – November 14.
To begin with, Children’s Day is observed across India on November 14 every year, to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Fondly addressed as Chacha Nehru, Nehru Ji loved children. In his own words, he expressed famously: “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.”
Children’s Day celebrations see various educational and inspirational events organized by and for children across the country. Hence, the day is a commemoration of Jawahar Lal Nehru, owing to his love for children, who was born on November 14′ 1889.
Our most visionary PM, Nehru Ji saw the immense potential in children, thus a promising future for the country. For aligning this thought and vision, Nehru Ji founded the Children’s Film Society of India in 1955 to locally produce films just for children. Children nicknamed him “Chacha Choudhary” affectionately since they loved being around him.
Until 1964, Children’s Day celebrations were held in India on November 20, the same day it was observed by the United Nations. The Indian Parliament proclaimed May 27th, the anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth, to be Children’s Day following his passing on that day. His popularity with children was well known, therefore the Indian government chose to designate his birthday as Children’s Day. Today’s Children’s Day marks the 133rd birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
He not only loved them, but was an ardent advocate of children’s rights, welfare, and education.
Nehru wanted children to value education because it develops character and equips them to face problems in the future. He actively promoted children’s fundamental right to education. Nehru’s aim of building strong support for the newly independent India was a reflection of his clear vision for India. He was engaged with educating people, especially the less fortunate members of society so they may have a brighter future.
Nehru put a lot of effort into realizing his ideal of what modern India ought to look like. When Nehru passed away, he left behind a legacy of education for children.
Since there have been celebrations all over the country on November 14.
Children are our greatest treasure as they are going to lead the country in the future. It is our moral responsibility to raise children properly so that they become good citizens. It all depends on where they grow up, their family background, and the moral values with which they are brought up will always be with them. God gave us children so that we might bring them up with love and care and help them to achieve the best in their lives. Though each child has different temperaments still they have greater potentials within them that need to be tapped and brought out. They must be shaped and carved so they can be good citizens later on.
I remember “Children’s Day” celebrations in schools in our times with debates, choirs, sports, and sweet distribution in the end. Inter-house and Inter-school competitions were the norm, which ended with prize distribution. The preparations started a few days before and the hangover persisted for a few weeks. There was no technological intervention, our bodies were our gadgets. We used to prepare for the big day with the help of our parents and friends or even grandparents. Overall, it was a fun-filled day – after all Children’s Day.
Times have changed, and we witness that education, rather childhood is enabled by technology from day One. Our childhood was simple, natural, and mast maula. We never cared for how we looked, what was our social status, if we scored well, or if we got a trophy…we just enjoyed being in school. Nowadays I see that parents are very sharply focussed, well-planned and meticulous towards planning their children’s future whereas our parents were cool. If you stood first in class, papa will distribute laddoos in the office, if not, he will say, “Not nice to slip ranks, try harder.” The message was loud and clear. We unconditionally loved our parents and grandparents and respected them. Teachers were worshipped, demi-Gods and friends were a treasure!
Certainly, times were different then, but childhood is childhood. Parents should try not to be too pushy with their children’s lives blueprints and let them choose their course. They will bloom!
While children have celebrations in school, as parents, you should plan a family get-together at home so that they learn to value family values. Shower them to praise and applaud them for their accomplishments and not necessarily expensive gifts. This will add to their happiness quotient and they will be HappyHo.
Make their childhood a happier one!
