India celebrates 135th Children's Day: Honoring Chacha Nehru’s legacy

In 2024, we celebrate the 135th Children’s Day, which is celebrated every year in India on November 14 to honour the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Endearingly known as "Chacha Nehru," he was beloved by children, making this day a meaningful celebration in schools and educational institutions across India.

Children’s Day 2024: Date and background

Children's Day, also known as "Bal Diwas," was initially observed on November 20 in connection with Universal Children’s Day, designated by the United Nations. However, in 1964, India’s Parliament passed a resolution to shift the observance to November 14 in memory of Nehru’s birth anniversary. This date now symbolizes Nehru’s vision as a leader who championed children’s rights and saw education as a foundation for growth and development.

Jawaharlal Nehru was not only a prominent freedom fighter but also a key advocate for reshaping India’s educational system. His initiatives led to the creation of influential institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Today, these institutions remain central pillars of India’s educational framework, helping to empower and educate the country’s youth. 

About Jewaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru, honoured as the first Prime Minister of independent India on August 15, 1947, was born on November 14, 1889. He is often remembered as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and played a vital role in India’s struggle for freedom, eventually becoming a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.

Nehru was born in Allahabad to Swaroop Rani and Motilal Nehru, a well-known lawyer and political figure. He was the only son in his family, with three younger sisters, including the Vijayalakshmi Pandit. Nehru’s early education was in India, but he later attended prestigious institutions in England: Harrow School, Trinity College, and Cambridge University. After his studies, he returned to India to practice law but soon found himself drawn to politics, following in his father’s footsteps.

On February 8, 1916, at the age of 26, Nehru married Kamala Nehru in an arranged marriage. By the 1920s, Nehru became increasingly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. Gandhi, who had successfully advocated for Indian rights in South Africa, became a national figure in India, and his nonviolent resistance deeply inspired Nehru.

In 1924, Nehru was elected President of the Allahabad Municipal Corporation, where he served as the chief executive for two years, concentrating on expanding public education, healthcare, and sanitation services in the city. From 1926 to 1928, he advanced his political career by serving as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee. This important position propelled him to the forefront of Congress leadership on the national stage.

Nehru, as Indian prime minister, headed the Indian government for 17 long and brilliant years. He aspired for India to become a world-renowned country. In addition to encouraging literature and the arts, he backed scientific and technological advancement. His goal was to eradicate discrimination worldwide and advocate for harmonious coexistence.

Nehru was not only an orator but also a charming, warm, noble thinker, philosopher, and Marvoulos author. Some of his most popular books include “Discovery of India, " which offers glimpses of world history and letters from a father to a daughter. He was awarded the Barath Rathna in 1955.

On May 27, 1964, India lost a great influence. In the words of Dr. Radhakrishnan, “As a fighter for freedom, he was illustrious as the maker of a modern India; his services were unparalleled. His life and works have had a profound influence on our mental make-up, social structure, and intellectual development.”

Children’s Day 2024 theme

The theme for Children’s Day 2024 is Children of today, leaders of tomorrow. 

Significance of Children’s Day in India

The significance of Children’s Day in India lies in its commitment to honouring children as the nation’s future. The day serves as a reminder that every child regardless of caste, creed, socioeconomic status, or background, deserves access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation. It is also an occasion to raise awareness of child rights and address societal issues like child trafficking, abuse, and child labour, which threaten the welfare of young lives.

Observing Children’s Day underscores the need to protect and nurture the potential within every child. This responsibility is shared by parents, educators, and society as a whole as we work. 

How Children’s Day is celebrated in schools and institutions

Children’s Day is an exciting occasion in schools and educational institutions throughout India. Though it is not a public holiday, students are encouraged to attend school on this day to participate in engaging activities. Schools organize special assemblies, cultural programs, and functions featuring quizzes, plays, fancy dress competitions, and other events. These activities foster student engagement, boost self-confidence, and enhance awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage.