Children’s Day 2024: History, significance of Bal Diwas; how is it celebrated?

NEW DELHI: In India, November 14 is annually celebrated as Children’s Day, honoring the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation's first prime minister. The day commemorates Nehru’s dedication to the welfare, education, and rights of children.

Jawaharlal Nehru, born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, India, was an advocate for children's rights and an education system that will make knowledge accessible to all. Known as "Chacha Nehru" by children, he was focused on the development of the nation's educational infrastructure. Under his leadership, institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) were established, playing a significant role in shaping India's academic landscape.

Nehru's Vision: ‘Children are nation's future’

Jawaharlal Nehru, emphasized the importance of nurturing children, whom he regarded as the foundation of the nation’s future. In one of his speeches, he remarked, “Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the nation’s future and the citizens of tomorrow.” Nehru saw children as the building blocks of society, whose growth and development would shape the progress and well-being of the entire country

Children's Day 2024: History and significance

Children's Day in India was originally observed on November 20, aligning with 'World Children's Day,' which the United Nations celebrates. However, after Jawaharlal Nehru's death in 1964, the Indian parliament passed a resolution to honor his legacy by designating his birth date, November 14, as the official Children's Day in India. Today, November 14 is celebrated across India as Children's Day, also known locally as 'Bal Diwas,' in recognition of Nehru’s vision for children's growth and education.

Also read National Education Day 2024: History, significance and why is it celebrated?

Children’s Day celebration

In India, Children's Day on November 14 is celebrated with various events and activities dedicated to children. Schools and institutions organize special programmes, including cultural performances, games, and competitions to engage children. Many schools hold essay writing, drawing, and storytelling competitions based on themes like children’s rights, dreams, and future aspirations. Teachers often perform skits, dances, or songs to entertain students, as a gesture of appreciation.

Additionally, the day highlights awareness about child welfare issues, emphasizing education and health, aligning with the values promoted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Some non-governmental organizations and community groups also conduct outreach programmes or donation drives to support underprivileged children, providing educational materials, clothes, or meals.