“The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.”
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Children’s Day in India is celebrated on the 14th of November every year in India to pay tribute to the First Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. Fondly called ‘Chacha Nehru’, Pt Nehru was born on 14th November 1889. He had an immense affection for children. He used to believe in providing the children with proper resources for their holistic growth.
Pt Nehru also dedicated his time to overseeing the establishment of some of the prestigious educational institutions in India as he was greatly concerned about the development of the educational system of the country.
He is credited with the establishment of many popular and renowned educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Today, these institutions are regarded as some of the most highly reputed institutions in the country.
Pandit Nehru believed that “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.”
History and Significance of Children’s Day
Children’s Day was initially celebrated on November 20th following the Universal Children’s Day declared by the United Nations (an international organisation founded in 1945). However, after the demise of Pt Nehru in 1964, India began celebrating the birth anniversary of Pt Nehru as Children’s Day.
Different schools and educational institutions organise various activities like quizzes, plays, dramas, fancy dress competitions, cultural activities, sports days and other competitions to celebrate the day. They present different sweets, toys, and gifts to children to make this day special for them. In many schools, teachers do performances for the entertainment of children.
Children are the Future of the Nation
14th November is also a reminder that every child in this country, irrespective of their caste, gender, financial status, political grounds, or creed, deserves the necessities of life which are access to proper education, healthcare, nurturing, and sanitation.
Children are the future of the country. They are the future builders as they are going to be the next generation. As they would be the leaders of tomorrow, their choices will affect the generations to come. Therefore, they should be provided with proper facilities. Moreover, it is also important to save them from social evils like child trafficking, child labour, and other assaults.
About Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14, 1889 in Allahabad, India. His contribution to the freedom movement is quite important. Nehru’s first commitment was to make the nation a self-sufficient economy. He became the first Prime Minister of India in 1947 and served the country for 16 years. Aged 74, Pt Nehru died on 27th May 1964 due to a heart attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we celebrate Children’s Day?
We celebrate Children’s Day on November 14th every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Who is Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru?
Born on 14th November 1889, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India. He was the first and longest-serving PM of India.
- Why was Jawaharlal Nehru called ‘Chacha Nehru’?
Jawaharlal Nehru had immense love, affection and care for children. That is why children used to call him ‘Chacha Nehru’.
- Is 14th November a holiday?
No, 14th November is not a gazetted holiday. On this day, children are encouraged to go to school and participate in different extracurricular activities.
