Children’s Day & P. Jawaharlal Nehru

• In India, Children’s Day is celebrated annually on 14th November.
• This day is observed in honor of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
• The United Nations has observed Universal Children’s Day on 20th November since 1956.
• After Nehru’s death in 1964, the Government of India decided to celebrate his birthday as Children’s Day.
• Since then, every year 14th November is celebrated as Children’s Day in India.

Jawaharlal Nehru:

• Born: 14 November 1889, Allahabad
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University
• 1912: Participated as a delegate in the Bankipur Congress Session
• 1919: Secretary of the Allahabad Home Rule League
• 1923: General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC)
• 1928: Founded the ‘Indian Independence League’ and became its General Secretary
• Objective: To achieve complete independence from British rule
• 1929: President of the Lahore Session of Congress (Purna Swaraj Resolution)
• 1946: Head of the Interim Government
• 1947: First Prime Minister of independent India
• 1955: Awarded the Bharat Ratna
• Died: 27 May 1964
• Loved children dearly, earning him the nickname “Chacha Nehru”.

What is Children’s Day ?

Children’s Day, celebrated annually on 14th November in India, is a national occasion to promote children’s rights—education, health, safety, and overall development. The celebration is not just a day of fun, but also a reminder of society’s responsibility toward the welfare of children.

Why 14th November ?

• It is Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday, who had a special love for children.
• Nehru believed that children are the future builders of the nation.
• Earlier, India also celebrated 20th November as Children’s Day, in line with the UN Universal Children’s Day and Declaration of Children’s Rights.
• Since 1964, India officially observes 14th November as National Children’s Day.

History

• Since 1956, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 20th November as Universal Children’s Day.
• Initially, India also organized awareness programs on this date.
• However, due to Nehru’s dedication to children, India decided to honor him by celebrating his birthday as Children’s Day.
• The main objective was to give national priority to children’s development and rights.

Objectives

The main objectives of celebrating Children’s Day are:

• To focus on children’s education, health, and human rights
• To encourage sports, creativity, and independent thinking
• To develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and social responsibility in children
• To remind society that: “Today’s children are tomorrow’s India.”

How is it Celebrated ?

• Schools organize drawing competitions, essay writing, sports events, plays, and cultural programs.
• Children are given gifts, awards, and sweets.
• In some schools, teachers symbolically take the role of students for the day.
• Government and non-government organizations run awareness programs on children’s safety, education, and rights.
• Media and social platforms share messages, stories, and inspirational thoughts about children.

Message for Us

• We must ensure every child has access to education, nutrition, safety, and affection.
• Children’s imagination, energy, and innocence make our society vibrant.
• This day reminds us that:

Investing in children is investing in the future.

• It should be celebrated not only as a festival but also as a commitment to the well-being and rights of children.

Conclusion

• Children’s Day symbolizes our commitment to the new generation of India.
• It emphasizes the importance of providing children with the right opportunities, a safe environment, and quality education.
• By empowering children today, India will be progressive, sensitive, and strong tomorrow.