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When is Children's Day
When is Children's Day celebrated?
Children's Day is celebrated each year on the birth anniversary of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, which is on November 14.
Why do we celebrate Children's Day
Children's Day is celebrated as a tribute to Nehru. Nehru, fondly called 'Chacha Nehru' was born on November 14, 1889. He was known for his affection for kids. He also established Children's Film Society India in 1955 to create indigenous cinema exclusively for kids.
Who started Children's Day
Before 1964, India celebrated Children's Day on November 20 (the United Nations observes it on this day.) However, after the death of Pandit Nehru in 1964, it was decided that his birthday be celebrated as Children's Day.
Along with being an able administrator, Nehru enforced the establishment of some of the most prominent educational institutions in India. His vision led to the establishment of AIIMS, IIT and IIM.
Nehru has left behind a legacy of education for the children of India.
He once said, "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country."
Who called Nehru 'Chachaj'?
There is no documented reason for Nehru being called 'chachaji'. However, it is said that his love for children was a major reason behind the coinage of this term. Another popular version is that Nehru was very close Mahatma Gandhi, whom he considered his elder brother. While Gandhi was known as 'Bapu', Nehru came to be known as 'chachaji'.
Is Children's Day a holiday
Children's Day is not a gazetted holiday. On the contrary, schools organise various events such as competitions, music and dance performances to celebrate the day.
What are the rights of a child?
According to the Constitution of India, the rights of children include:
- 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
Children's Day celebration across the world
Children's Day began in 1857 by Reverend Dr Charles Leonard in Chelsea, US. Even though Children's Day is celebrated globally by most of the countries in the world on June 1, Universal Children's Day takes place annually on November 20.