By: Dr. Rohi
Children are like buds in garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Children’s Day always makes us nostalgic for our younger years, when we had little to no stress and simply had to worry about turning in our homework. Life was similar to a colouring box with an array of colours neatly tucked inside. The best moment of our life, infact. Children’s day, which is annually observed with great fanfare and featured in every school and college, is a celebration of this innocent stage of our life. On this day, schools and colleges organize various competitions, music and dance performances to celebrate this day.
14th of November, is celebrated as the children’s day across India every year. This day is celebrated as a tribute to India’s first prime minister, Pandith Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru was fondly known as “Chacha Nehru” among children because of his fondness for children. Even after years of his death, he is remembered by that name. Nehru considered children as the real strength of a nation and the corner stone of society. They are the nation’s future creators. If we want to safeguard our future, we must all work together to shape the destiny of the youngsters. The main aim of celebrating Children’s Day is to raise awareness among all Indians about the importance of providing children with the opportunity to receive education. It is their right to follow a suitable path. Therefore, a well-organized and prosperous nation can be built, and the children’s future can also be secured.
Untill 1964, children’s Day was celebrated on November 20, the same day it was observed by the United Nations. However, after Jawaharlal Nehru’s demise in 1964, a resolution was passed in the Indian parliament that declared November 14 as children’s Day to honour the legacy of the freedom fighter.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the most ardent advocate of children’s rights, care, and education. “The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country”. These words of Nehru are engraved with golden letters in history. It clearly depicts how much he wanted his dear children to take education as it builds character and prepares a child for future challenges. He dedicated his whole life to supporting the fundamental rights of education among children. The affection of Nehru towards his children is very well described in the fact that he established an organization in India exclusively for children known as Children’s Film Society in the year 1955. This organization is known to create children’s films and various television shows. Some of the popular films by CFS include Nani Teri Morni, school chalega, Ishu, Likee, Pinti Ka Sabun, KAPHAL – Wild Berries, The Cake Story and many others. The clear vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the appearance of modern India was reflected in his dream of establishing solid support for the newly independent India. He constantly focused on giving education, especially to the weaker sections of society so that they can enjoy a better future. Some of India’s most important educational institutions were built as a result of Nehru’s regulations such as AIIMS, IIT, and IIM. He never stopped striving for the India of his dreams. Only with a strong educational system in place would modern india be able to stand on solid foundations. Nehru departed from this world leaving a legacy of education for the children of India.
Children’s Day is not only an attempt to make the day special by distributing toys, sweets and gifts to children. No doubt, it is a beautiful occasion to remember the famous thoughts of Nehru. Celebration on children’s day is a great way to make both children and adults aware that children are the true future of the country. Being the responsible citizens of the country, we must look at the bigger picture. Is every child in the country have access to their constitutional right to education, health and family? Are they free from child abuse? Has the menace of child labour been completely abolished? If not, the least we can do is spread awareness for the parents and ask them to provide a kind of an environment where the children can thrive. To be accountable for instilling in them respect for themselves and others, letting them form their own opinions without relying on anybody else. Children’s day is about making the lives and future of the children better. The day conveys the importance of education and knowledge for every child in the country.
My special message to all the children “Dear children cherish your childhood, it is never going to come back. These are the best and happiest days of your life (despite exams, assignments, homework). Make your best pals at this time, be supportive of one another. Stay strong! There is always a solution to every problem, we just need to find it.
There are somethings, we can’t buy, one of such thing is our childhood. Enjoy the spirit of children’s Day.
The author can be reached at rohi95jan@gmail.com
