“The children of today will shape the country tomorrow. The way we nurture them will determine the nation’s future.”
– Jawaharlal Nehru
Children embody the future of all nations and societies, serving as the most crucial influence globally. The Indian constitution provides rights to children as citizens, and acknowledging their distinct position, the government has enacted specific laws.
The Constitution, established in 1950, encompasses most of the rights present in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.
Children’s Day is observed on the 14th of November each year. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of children’s rights, care, and education, while also paying tribute to our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Affectionately known as “Chacha Nehru” by children, he was a staunch advocate of children’s education, continuously striving to guarantee that they have a well-rounded academic life. Children’s Day stands as a testament to his deep affection and concern for young minds.
Children’s day was celebrated on 20th November each year before 1964, a date recognised by the United Nations. After the demise of our beloved Chacha Nehru, his birth date was declared as Children’s day in India.
Children’s day in India is celebrated on the birthday of (Chacha) Jawaharlal Nehru
“The children of today will shape the country tomorrow. The way we nurture them will determine the nation’s future.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
These profound words carry timeless significance. Jawaharlal Nehru devoted his life to ensuring that every child has the fundamental right to education and worked tirelessly to establish various educational institutions in India. The iconic institution, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), encapsulates one of Chacha Nehru’s visions, representing a significant stride toward nurturing a brighter future for India’s youth. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) also exemplify his foresight turned into reality. Today, these institutions stand as vital components of nation-building and are recognized as “Institutes of National Importance.”
The significance of Children’s Day can be traced back to the vision of Jawaharlal Nehru, who believed that the future of the country lies in the hands of its children. He was a strong advocate of children’s rights and believed that every child has the right to education, health, and a happy childhood. Nehru emphasized the importance of education in shaping the minds of young children and encouraged the establishment of schools and institutions to provide quality education to children across the country.
The celebration of Children’s Day in India is not just about giving gifts or throwing parties for children. It is a day to acknowledge the unique needs and talents of every child and to create a safe and supportive environment for them to thrive. On this day, schools and institutions organize various cultural events, competitions, and workshops for children to showcase their talents and creativity. It is also an opportunity for parents and teachers to reflect on the progress of children and to identify areas where they need more support.
In recent years, the celebration of Children’s Day in India has taken on a more serious tone, as the country grapples with issues such as child labor, child trafficking, and child abuse. The day serves as a reminder to society to protect the rights of children and to work towards creating a better future for them. Many NGOs and social organizations use this day to raise awareness about the plight of underprivileged children and to encourage people to donate their time and resources to help them.
Moreover, the essence of Children’s Day also lies in not differentiating between a girl and a boy child. Our message to the youth must be to not succumb to peer pressure, to perform as per their ability, and to not shy away from asking for help with stress-causing psychological situations and issues. The new India is now open to opportunities, with respect to academics, ideas, and growth. Our youth, driven by passion and enthusiasm is well opinionated, the way they can be helped is by giving them an inclination and direction to pursue their interests.
The aforementioned will revive the significance of children’s day. Let us pledge to keep the motive intact and actionable to enjoy the day entitled to the youth and children in its truest sense. It might be only a date, 14th November, but let it sow a seed that will reap benefits in the coming years.
Over the years, many individuals and public interest organisations have approached the highest court in pursuit of reinstating fundamental rights, including those of children.
The government has the capacity to implement appropriate laws and administrative measures to protect children’s rights; no court can force the government to ensure these rights as they are essentially guidelines.
These guidelines have enabled the judiciary to make important decisions that promote children’s rights, leading to constitutional changes, including the 86th Amendment to the Constitution, which declared the right to education as a fundamental right. Let us delve into more such provisions.
Constitutional Rights That Are Meant For Children Include:
1. Right to free and compulsory elementary education (Article 21 A): Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6-14 year age group.
2. Right to be protected from child labour (Article 24): No child under the age of 14 shall be allowed to work in any factory or mine or participate in any other dangerous jobs.
3. Right to be protected from financial burdens (Article 39(e)): Entitlement to safeguard against abuse and being compelled by financial pressures to engage in jobs inappropriate for their age or capacity (Article 39(e))
4. Article 39(f): The Indian Constitution specifies that children must be provided with opportunities and resources to grow in a wholesome environment, ensuring their freedom and dignity. It also asserts that childhood and adolescence need to be safeguarded from exploitation and from both moral and material neglect.
5. Article 45: Establishment of free and mandatory education for children. The State shall strive to ensure, within a decade from the start of this Constitution, free and mandatory education for all children until they reach the age of fourteen.
In conclusion, the celebration of Children’s Day in India is not just a symbolic gesture but a day that holds great significance for the future of the country. It is a day to reflect on the importance of children and their rights, and to work towards creating a society that is safe, supportive, and nurturing for them to grow and thrive.