“Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child’s eye – it is very beautiful.” – Kailash Satyarthi
There was a time when riding on one’s father’s back and playing ghoda gaadi was our favourite game, being hand-fed by our mother and sleeping peacefully in her lap meant the world to us. Finding happiness in small things used to give us immense joy and bonding over toys, sharing chocolates and tiffin with your ‘only’ best friend were the hidden codes of friendship.
That time was our childhood. The best days of our life, that we often wish to re-live again. And just like every other child, we too celebrated Children’s Day with all enthusiasm, without really knowing its significance. Children’s Day is, after all, more than just distributing gifts and sweets…
The day marks a tribute to our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The beloved leader of India was born on November 14, 1889. Nehru was a firm believer in the welfare of children, and encouraged the education and empowerment of younger minds. This is what made ‘Chacha Nehru’ children’s favourite leader. On this day, schools organise special programmes for kids and distributing gifts, sweets and chocolates are a common way to celebrate this day. Apart from cultural activities, sports events are also held in order to inculcate sports culture among children.
In order to promote general well being of children at the global level, a world conference in 1925 was held by the United Nations that suggested the observance of November 20 as Universal Children’s Day.
It was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and also to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children, and bring awareness to all the children around the globe who have been subjected to violence in the forms of abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
Today calls for deeper introspection: Are we really doing enough for our children’s growth and well-being – and not just the ones we give birth to?
