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ThuNov 14

Children's Day – November 14, 2024

Children’s Day, celebrated on November 14, is recognized across India to increase awareness of the rights, care, and education of children. The day is also held as a tribute to India’s First Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Fondly known as “Chacha Nehru” among children, he advocated for children to have fulfilled education. Nehru considered children as the real strength of a nation and foundation of society. The nation usually celebrates Children’s Day with educational and motivational programs held across India, by and for children.

History of Children's Day

India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was born to a family of Kashmiri Brahmans on November 14, 1889. His family, who were noted for their administrative aptitude and scholarship, had migrated to Delhi early in the 18th century. He was a son of Motilal Nehru, a renowned lawyer and leader of the Indian independence movement, who became one of Mahatma Gandi’s prominent associates. Jawaharlal was the eldest of four children, two of whom were girls. A sister, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, later became the first woman president of the United Nations General Assembly.

It is believed that Nehru was known as “Chacha Nehru” by children because he believed that children were the strength of India. However, as another story, the former Prime Minister was called “chacha” because of his closeness with Gandi, whom all referred to as ‘Bapu’. Hence, people suggested the nickname ‘chacha’ for Jawaharlal Nehru as he was seen as the younger brother of the father of the nation.

Nehru, under the guidance of Gandhi, turned out to be a leader of India’s struggle for independence in 1947. He laid the foundation of independent India as sovereign, socialist, secular, and a democratic republic. For this, Nehru is credited as the architect of modern India. 

After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, a resolution was passed in the parliament unanimously to honor him, declaring his birth anniversary as the official date of Children’s Day. India used to celebrate Children’s Day on November 20 every year before 1956 as the United Nations, in 1954, had declared the day as Universal Children’s Day. Therefore, each year since then, November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of the country’s first PM.

Now, to mark Children’s Day, schools organize fun and motivational functions. Many prepare a Children’s Day speech. In many schools, children are asked to ditch school uniforms and wear party clothes. It’s a joyous occasion for all children, parents and teachers.

Children's Day timeline

2018
Google celebrates Children’s Day

Google celebrates Children’s Day with a Doodle on its homepage, showing a child looking at the sky via a telescope, with a Mumbai-based student winning the year’s Doodle 4 competition.

1964
Children’s Day is honored

After the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, a resolution was passed in the parliament unanimously to honor him, declaring his birth anniversary as the official date of Children’s Day.

1947
India becomes an independent nation

Nehru, under the guidance of Gandhi, turned out to be a leader of India's struggle for independence in 1947.

1889
The birth of a leader

Jawaharlal Nehru is born, later becoming India’s first Prime Minister and honored on Children’s Day across the country.

Children's Day FAQs

Is Children's Day a national holiday in India?

Children’s Day is celebrated on 14 November every year as a tribute to India’s First Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

 

What is the importance of Children’s Day?

On November 14 every year, Children’s Day is celebrated all across India. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, who, due to his love for children, was fondly known as Chacha Nehru. The day emphasizes the importance of giving love, attention, and affection to children.

 

Is Children's Day celebrated in America?

Every year the second Sunday of June is celebrated as National Children’s Day in the United States.

Children's Day Activities

  1. Learn about India’s first Prime Minister

    The reason Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14 is to honor the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was known to emphasize the importance of children in shaping the nation. As he once famously quoted, "Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.”

  2. Plan a Children’s Day event

    There are loads of events happening all over the country on Children’s Day. Most of them are reasonably priced and organized keeping in mind the interests of children of different age groups. Choose an event that fits in the interests of your children, they are definitely going to have fun and an unforgettable day!

  3. Dress up in a Children’s Day theme

    You can dress up along with your children in a Children's Day theme. For example, dress up like pirates and go treasure hunt. You can also dress up like Nehru and spend time with children of your society or visit an orphanage to help children out there.

Why We Love Children's Day

  1. Children are important

    Jawaharlal Nehru believed that children are vital in shaping a nation and should be given the right to a full education. No matter what country you’re from, this is a universal theme for everyone. Spend the day reminding your children or young relatives just how amazing they are and to dream big.

  2. It’s a fun day for children!

    In many schools across India, children are asked to ditch school uniform and wear party clothes. It’s the perfect time to play dress-up with your children or school kids and plan fun activities so they will remember the day with great fondness!

  3. It supports young ones

    There are many events across India that will be both fun as well as helping out society. You can spend the day planting trees to improve the environment, or even organizing exciting events with children no matter what background who can be given a creative platform and free choice.

Children's Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 14Thursday
2025November 14Friday
2026November 14Saturday
2027November 14Sunday
2028November 14Tuesday

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