November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day with much fervor across the country as this day also commemorates the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly called “Chacha Nehru” first prime minister of free India as he was born on this day, 1889. Nehruji believed that children are real strength of a nation and they are foundation stone of society. Every year on this day, educational programmes are held across the country. The children of today are future of tomorrow of any nation. The way they are brought up determine the future of the country. It is the day that champions the right of children and it raises awareness on the need to get them educated as they are future. This year the children’s day falls on Monday. This day is also called “Bal Divas” in India and the celebrations date back to 1956 when the day was observed as “Universal Children’s Day” On this day most schools in the country as well as in our Union Territory celebrate events such as fun games, singing, dance activities. District administrations are also doing its bits by organizing rely races for the children. The real story is Children’s Day is far from what most people believe. One VM Kulkarni who was a United Nations fellow carrying out a study on the rehabilitation of children who had been victims of crimes in United Kingdom. He had realized that India has no mechanism for unprivileged children. He had noticed that Queen Elizabeth I’s birthday is observed on Flag Day in England. On this day they raise money to save children and he suggested that Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday be also observed to raise money as Child Fund for the upliftment of children in India. In this regard an international fare was organized and the proposal was accepted and Jawaharlal Nehru firstly embarrassed later on accepted the proposal when sought his permission. India Council for child welfare organized an international fair in 1951 and this day was the beginning of Children’s Day celebration. The first President of (ICCW) Rajkumari Amrita Kaur between 1952-1958, became the part of Nehru Ji’s cabinet. She was the brain child behind it. After demise of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, Indian Parliament passed resolution and 14th November was declared as Children’s Day. This day is marked with special assemblies and functions in order to increase participation and make children aware of the country and the eminent personalities that were a part of it. Children should be given details about the life of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who was the greatest asset of the nation. This freedom fighter made great changes in the educational setup of the country. He believed deeply in the potential of children, and laid great emphasis on education which is a great tool to harness the caliber of young minds. This day is also a reminder that every child irrespective of their caste, creed financial or political status deserve basic amenities that include education, health care and sanitization. It is also important to save them from social evils like child trafficking and child labour. This author likes reading and likes to read “Discovery of India” penned down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Point schools may prepare:-
1. Introduction about Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Achievements of Nehru Ji.
3. Contribution of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru to Children.
4. He is called Chacha Nehru- Discussion about it.
5. Why we celebrate this day on 14th November.
6. Importance of this day.
My opinion is that all the stake holders should plan a strategy that a weeklong programme must be held in all educational institutions and also Anganwadi Centres in every corner of the society should be involved in this practice too. Health Department should organize special camps in number of schools and check the mental and physical health conditions of the children and should advise them about food items. Special attention must be given to children like those rag pickers. For 12 year old boy (name withheld) there would be no cakes, balloons or new clothes. As usual his day begins with drudgery-several hours of sifting garbage could be sold to make some money before setting out to clean utensils at roadside tea stall near General Bus Stand Anantnag. This author cornered him at one of the garbage dumping place where he along with another rag-picker was at work early at around 9:30 am in the morning. On being asked what Baal Divas means, he gave a blank look and replied innocently, “Baal divas kis bala ka naam hai muje nahi maloom” i.e. (what children’s day means I don’t know). When quizzed about “Chacha Nehru”, “he giggled and said mera koi chacha taya nahi hai sirf ek baap tha jo char saal pehle mar gaya” (I don’t have any paternal uncle, even my father has expired four years ago). He was wearing a torn trouser and shirt this young boy has never been to school and his story is heart wrenching. He was ten years old when his father left him. His mother has also died when he was only two years old. From the time of his father’s death he is working as a rag-picker. He is unaware of education and schooling. Few days back this author went to Mir Bazar with his friend Mohd. Ayoub to buy bricks. On reaching at a brick kiln there my eyes caught the sight of a boy, 16 yrs old , breaking bricks in order to earn a meager amount to enable him to feed his two younger sisters, who are dependent on him after their parents have died few years back. A majority of unprivileged children to whom this author met many children during this one year and found that majority of the underprivileged children are quizzed on the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, or about Children’s Day or its significance and found these children were least concerned about it. Pandit Nehru did not envisage it this way when he talked of his vision of Indian Future, just to procure two meals a day burdened with full days drudgery these unfortunate children are a sad reminder of a lost childhood where children’s Day is nothing but a set of meaningless words.
(The author is Incharge District Record Room at DC Office Anantnag. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are author’s own and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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