Childrens Day (14 November) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

Childrens Day Quick Facts

Childrens Day Brief

Children's Day is celebrated every year in India on 14 November to raise awareness about the rights, care, and education of children. Every year, the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday (14 November) is celebrated as Children's Day across the country. Children's Day is a national festival of India dedicated to children.

Childrens Day History

In India, this day is celebrated on November 14, the birthday of the first Prime Minister of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It is said that Pandit Nehru loved children very much, so his birthday was chosen to celebrate Children's Day.

In fact, the foundation of Children's Day was laid in 1925, when the first announcement of celebrating Children's Day was made in the 'World Conference' on the welfare of children. It was recognized worldwide in 1954.

The United Nations has fixed this day for 20 November but it is celebrated on a different day in different countries. Some countries also celebrate Children's Day on 20 November. Since 1950, 'Child Protection Day' i.e. June 01 is also celebrated as Children's Day in many countries.

This day reminds us that every child is special and for a better future of the children, it is very important to fulfill their basic needs and education needs. This day also reminds the children to be given a proper life.

More info about Childrens Day

Biography of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru:

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was a great leader of India and led India as the country's first Prime Minister soon after India gained independence in 1947. Pandit Jawahar Lal was born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad to the famous lawyer Shri Motilal Nehru and Swaroop Rani.

Being very talented, he was named Jawahar Lal. He took his later education from England and after returning to India, he started helping Indians and started fighting for India's independence. After India got independence, he became the first Prime Minister of India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru loved children very much and children used to call him Chacha Nehru.

Children's Day Celebrations:

Children's Day is celebrated every year all over India with lots of organized events, cultural and recreational activities. Various competitions are organized by government and non-government organizations, schools, NGOs, private organizations and others, as well as various programs to make children happy and encouraged by making them aware about their rights. On November 14, TV channels also show interesting programs for children.

How to celebrate Children's Day:

• Distribute gifts and chocolates to children.
• Various competitions like: fancy dress, debate, speech related to freedom fighters, country, story and quiz competitions are organized.
• Cultural and social events such as singing, dancing and entertainment with other musical instruments are organized.
• Orphan children can be entertained by distribution of musical instruments, stationery, books, clothes and toys etc.
• Organizing some programs related to freedom fighters.
• Organizing some sporting activities including puzzle, sweets and sugar treasure hunt etc.
• Underprivileged children are entertained with musical programs by famous musicians and speeches on health, care and progress.

Child Rights in the Indian Constitution:

The Constitution of India gives many facilities to protect the rights and protection of children according to the plans of the United Nations. The Constitution is firmly committed in every way for the welfare of children in the country and for their education and freedom from child labor, directly and indirectly, for eradication.

• Article 15(3): empowers the state to empower children and women.
• Article 21A: It is legally binding on the state to provide compulsory and free education to children between the ages of 6 and 14.
• Article 24: Child labor has been said to be prohibited and illegal.
• Article 39(e): The state is bound by law to make arrangements for the health and safety of children.
• Article 39(f): It is the moral responsibility of the State to provide necessary facilities for the development of children in a sustainable manner.

Important facts related to Children's Day:

1. Children's Day was started on the second Sunday of June in 1857 by Dr. Charles Leonard the Reverend, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer, and organized a special service for children. Leonard named the day Rose Day, although it was later renamed Flower Sunday and then Children's Day.
2. Children's Day was first officially declared in 1920 by the Republic of Turkey with a fixed date of 23 April.
3. Children's Day is celebrated globally by most of the countries of the world on 1st June, Universal Children's Day is on 20th November every year. First declared by the United Kingdom in 1954.
4. In Albania, Children's Day is celebrated on 1 June under the name Festa e femijeve.
5. In Argentina, Children's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of August under the name Día del Nio (Día del Nio).
6. In Armenia and Azerbaijan, Children's Day is celebrated on 1 June.
7. Children's Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia during the fourth week in October, from the Saturday before Universal Children's Day to the following Sunday.
8. Children's Day in Bolivia was first established in 1954. Google made a Google Doodle on April 12, 2019, celebrating this holiday.
9. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Children's Day was established as a holiday in 1993.
10. In Brazil, Children's Day is celebrated on 12 October to commemorate the holiday of the patron saint of the Lady of Aparecida. It is also the day of the discovery of America (Columbus Day), a reference to the "New Continent". Children's Day in Brazil is celebrated by children receiving gifts from their parents.
11. In the People's Republic of China, Children's Day is celebrated on June 1. When the People's Republic of China was first established in 1949, the State Council made June 1 a half-day holiday for all primary schools. Later in 1956, the State Council made 1 June a full-day holiday with the announcement to make Children's Day a one-day holiday.
12. In Colombia, Children's Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April. It was established as a holiday in 2001.

Important Days of November Month - (National Days and International Days):