Today, November 14, marks Children's Day, the time when the young kids get to enjoy most of their time without a worry in the world. On this day, the children celebrate with their teachers in school and receive gifts and sweets back at their homes.
Did you know that Children's Day celebration originally began to raise awareness on the rights and education of children? It became a vision after former Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called them the real foundation of the country.
History:
Children's Day was celebrated in India since 1956. It was celebrated on November 20. However, after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's death in 1964, the day of celebrations shifted. This happened after seeing the love 'Chacha Nehru' had for kids. For the uninformed, he had also established Children's Film Society India in 1955 for them.
The history behind being called 'Chacha':
While Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi was fondly called 'Bapu', Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was called 'Chacha'. The term was coined seeing how kids loved him, and it was also apt since he was friends with Gandhi.
Significance:
Nehru's vision led to the establishment of institutions like AIIMS, IIT and IIM. It is also a reminder to treat the children fairly. Thus, Children's Day celebrations continue to remind people about taking proper care of their children.
Legal rights every child has:
The Consistution of India recognizes these rights for children. If they are not followed, legal action could be taken.
Here they are:
- Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6-14 year age group
- Right to be protected from any hazardous employment
- Right to early childhood care and education
- Right to be protected from abuse'
- Right to be protected from the economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength
- Right to equal opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner
- Right to freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against exploitation
