Children’s Day 2024: Why is this day known as ‘Children’s Day’
Children’s Day 2024: Children’s Day is observed annually on November 14 in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation’s first prime minister and a man recognized for his intense love of children. It is also called ‘Bal Diwas’ because it recognizes and values children as the nation’s future.
The background of ‘Bal Diwas’
The World Conference for Child Welfare received a proposal in 1925 to commemorate Children’s Day. Since then, on June 1, 1950, Children’s Day has been observed. India chose to mark Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday as Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas, since he was a strong supporter of children’s rights and was affectionately known by youngsters as “Chacha Nehru.”
On November 14, 1889, Jawaharlal Nehru was born in Allahabad, which is now Prayagraj. His foresight and dedication to the education of young people played a crucial role in forming India after independence.
According to Nehru, children are the country’s future and the cornerstone of a forward-thinking society. He often said that children should be loved, respected, and given every chance to reach their full potential since he believed that education was the key to India’s development.
He placed a strong focus on education throughout his life, founding organizations and schools to provide equitable access to education. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) were founded as a result of Nehru’s ambition for a top-tier healthcare and educational system.
In accordance with the United Nations’ designation of Universal Children’s Day, India first observed Children’s Day on November 20. To honor Nehru’s memory and principles, India rescheduled its Children’s Day celebration to November 14 after his passing in 1964.
India strengthened the day’s emotional and cultural importance by observing Children’s Day as Bal Diwas, establishing it as a distinctively Indian holiday based on pride in the country and its ideals.
How Children’s Day is observed in schools
To honor childhood and acknowledge the value of youth in society, schools and communities all throughout India host unique events, activities, and programs on Bal Diwas. Sports, storytelling, cultural performances, and drawing contests are all part of the day’s activities. Teachers often use this time to inspire kids to express their aspirations and explore their creativity. In addition to providing entertainment, these events teach kids about Nehru’s impact on their lives and the value of equality and education.
