Dipak Kurmi
Children's Day is celebrated in India to raise awareness about the rights, education, and welfare of children. Observed every year on November 14th, it is a tribute to the nation’s most cherished resource—its young generation. Known as Bal Diwas, the day transcends mere festivities and sweet distributions to embody a deeper national pledge: safeguarding childhood innocence, fostering intellectual growth, and upholding the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who believed that children hold the key to India’s future. The 2025 theme, “For Every Child, Every Right,” reinforces this commitment, reminding society of its moral and constitutional duty to protect every child’s right to survival, education, and holistic development in a safe and nurturing environment.
The date itself carries deep significance. November 14th marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, who was lovingly known as "Chacha Nehru" by children across the nation. His affection for children was not merely sentimental but rooted in a visionary understanding that the way a nation treats its youngest citizens determines its destiny. Nehru's philosophy resonates through his own words: "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country." This belief wasn't abstract rhetoric but translated into concrete policies and institutions that continue to shape child welfare in India today.
The historical journey of Children's Day in India reveals an evolution from charity-driven initiatives to a comprehensive celebration of children's rights. On November 5, 1948, the first observance took place as "Flower Day," organized by the predecessor of the Indian Council of Child Welfare to raise funds for the United Nations Appeal for Children through the sale of flower tokens. By July 30, 1949, the celebration had expanded significantly, with widespread publicity through radio, articles, and cinema reaching every corner of the nation. The transformation into a day specifically honoring Nehru's birthday came from an unexpected source. In 1951, V.M. Kulkarni, a United Nations Social Welfare Fellow studying juvenile delinquent rehabilitation in the United Kingdom, recognized a critical gap in India's approach to underprivileged children. Inspired by England's Flag Day, celebrated on Queen Elizabeth II's birthday to raise money for the Save the Child Fund, Kulkarni proposed that Nehru's birthday could serve a similar purpose, becoming a Flag Day for collecting funds for NGOs working in child welfare.
When approached with this proposal, Nehru's initial reaction was characteristically humble—he was embarrassed by the suggestion. However, understanding the greater good it could serve, he reluctantly agreed. While his birthday had been publicly celebrated since the 1940s with tribute meetings and children's games, 1954 marked the first official celebration as "Children's Day," with over 50,000 schoolchildren gathering at the National Stadium in Delhi. The formalization came in 1957 when the Government of India officially declared November 14th as Children's Day through a special edict, with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs commemorating the occasion with first-day covers and three commemorative stamps.
Nehru's relationship with children went beyond political symbolism. His concern for their welfare was a constant throughout his premiership. As M.O. Mathai wrote in "My Days With Nehru" (1979), "Nehru saw in their innocent faces and sparkling eyes the future of India. He was convinced that no amount of money spent on children and their mothers was too much, and that it was a sound investment for the future." This conviction materialized in tangible actions. In 1955, he established the Children's Film Society of India, ensuring that Indian children could see themselves represented authentically on screen and fostering their creative instincts on a cultural platform. His administration worked tirelessly to eliminate child labor and ensure equal educational opportunities, laying foundations that continue to inspire child welfare programs generations later.
Nehru's approach to children found its most intimate expression in his letters to his daughter, Indira Gandhi, during her childhood. These correspondences, published as "Letters from a Father to His Daughter" (1929) and "Glimpses of World History" (1934), have become celebrated works of children's non-fiction. As Deepa Agarwal observes, "any child can respond to their warm, affectionate tone and his lucid and spontaneous style. The wealth of information woven into them and his unique approach to historical facts is an added bonus... communicating humanist values." These works demonstrate how Nehru believed in speaking to children with respect and intelligence, never condescending but always nurturing curiosity and critical thinking.
However, history requires honesty, and perspectives on Nehru's relationship with children have varied. Sir Walter Crocker, in his biography "Nehru: A Contemporary's Estimate" (1966), offered a contrasting view, suggesting that Nehru's public persona with children was somewhat performative. Crocker wrote that Nehru's interest in children was "slender" and that the "Chacha Nehru" image, particularly during birthday celebrations with organized groups of children and photographers, was "out of character." This historical complexity reminds us that even great visions can emerge from imperfect human beings, and perhaps what matters most is not the personal inclination but the institutional legacy and policies that endure.
Indeed, the political dimensions of Children's Day have continued to evolve. In 2018, sixty Members of Parliament from the BJP requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to designate December 26th as Children's Day instead, suggesting it commemorate the martyrdom of the Chhote Sahibzaade, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, while November 14th would become "Chacha Diwas" in memory of Nehru. This proposal reflects ongoing debates about how India honors its history and heroes, though Children's Day remains observed on November 14th.
Today, schools across India transform into festive venues on Children's Day, wearing celebratory colors and organizing activities that blend entertainment with education. Cultural programs feature singing, dancing, and dramatic performances that allow children to express themselves creatively. Competitions in drawing, poster-making, and essay writing encourage children to articulate their vision for the future and understand their rights. The distribution of sweets and gifts adds joy and creates lasting memories, while public awareness initiatives through lectures and speeches emphasize the ongoing importance of children's education and welfare. These activities instill creativity, kindness, and an understanding of societal values, keeping alive Nehru's philosophy of nurturing young minds. Many schools declare a holiday, giving students a break from routine, while private institutions often organize elaborate fairs that bring communities together in celebration.
The 2025 theme, "For Every Child, Every Right," carries particular urgency in contemporary India. It reminds us that celebrating childhood isn't merely about organizing events or distributing treats but about confronting hard realities. Millions of children still lack access to quality education, adequate nutrition, and safe environments. Child labor persists despite decades of legislation. Gender inequality begins in childhood, limiting opportunities for countless girls. The theme challenges every segment of society—parents, teachers, policymakers, and citizens—to prioritize children's welfare not as charity but as fundamental rights.
Children's Day 2025 is more than a celebration; it is a call to action and a renewal of India's pledge to protect and promote every child's rights and dreams. Honoring Nehru's vision, the day motivates society to build a future where all children can live with dignity, access education and healthcare, and reach their full potential. This celebration reinforces an essential truth: investing in children is investing in the nation's promise and prosperity. The architects of tomorrow sit in classrooms today, play in neighborhoods today, dream their dreams today. How we nurture those dreams, protect those children, and expand their possibilities will determine not just their individual futures but the collective destiny of India itself. In respecting the innocence, joyfulness, and potential of children, we honor not just the memory of Chacha Nehru but the very essence of what it means to be a compassionate, forward-thinking society.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
