Children’s Day is celebrated in India on November 14 every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who was also known for his deep affection towards children.
Also called ‘Bal Diwas‘ in Hindi, which translates to Children’s Day, the day is celebrated to appreciate and acknowledge children as the future of the county.
By celebrating the internationally celebrated Children’s Day as Bal Diwas, India reinforces the cultural and emotional significance of the day, making it a celebration that is uniquely Indian, and is rooted in national pride and deep values.
Brief History of ‘Bal Diwas‘
In 1925, a proposal was presented to celebrate Children’s Day in the World Conference for Child Welfare. About 25 years from the year of proposal, the day is being celebrated from the year 1950.
Why is Children’s Day Celebrated on Jawaharlal Nehru’s Birthday?
For 14 years since 1950, India celebrated Children’s Day on November 20, aligning with Universal Children’s Day as designated by the United Nations. However, after Nehru’s death in 1964, India moved its observance of Children’s Day to November 14 to honour his legacy and ideals.
Born on 14 November 1889 in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision and commitment to the development of young minds were instrumental in shaping post-Independence India.
He was a great advocate for children’s rights, and was also adorably referred to by children as ‘Chacha Nehru’ (‘Chacha’ translates to Uncle in Hindi).
Nehru believed that children were the future of the nation and at the foundation of a progressive society. He saw education as the cornerstone for India’s growth and often stated that children should be nurtured, respected, and given every opportunity to realise their potential.
Throughout his life, Nehru emphasised the need for education by creating schools and institutions that offer equal learning opportunities. He had also envisioned the need for a premier healthcare and educational institution, which led to the establishment of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
8 Inspiring Quotes By Jawaharlal Nehru On Children’s Day
“The children of today will make the India of tomorrow”
“Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow”
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open”
“Evil unchecked grows, evil tolerated poisons the whole system”
“The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all”
“Time is not measured by the passing of years but by what one does, what one feels, and what one achieves”
“Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people”
“Politics and religion are obsolete. The time has come for science and spirituality”
How is Children’s Day Celebrated in Schools?
On the occasion of Bal Diwas, schools and communities across India celebrate the day by organising special events and programs for children. They are also showered with gifts that consist of eatables, books and cards.
The day is filled with games, debates, seminars, dance, music, essay, speech, storytelling, drawing, painting and sports competitions are also conducted to celebrate childhood and recognise the importance of youth in our society.
Educators often take this opportunity to encourage children to explore their creativity and voice out their dreams and ambitions. These celebrations not only entertain but also educate children about the importance of education and equality in their lives.
How You Too Can Contribute On Children’s Day?
While Children’s Day is celebrated in schools by both teachers and children, if you are a parent or caregiver, you too can actively celebrate children’s day with your child by acknowledging who they are, how special they are, appreciating their talents, and encouraging them to bring out the best in them.
The future of a great nation is built in homes by parents and caregivers, as much as they are built in schools by teachers.