Posted On: 2023-11-11 15:57:12
Every year, Children's Day or 'Bal Divas' is celebrated on 14th November in India, to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Born on November 14, 1889, Nehru was fondly called 'Chacha Nehru' or 'Chachaji' by the children. He was a firm believer that children are the foundation of a society and advocated for their rights for an all-inclusive education system.
History and Significance of Children's Day
Before 1964, Children's Day was celebrated on November 20 as World Children's Day observed by the United Nations. But, after the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian Parliament decided that his birthday would be celebrated as Bal Divas across the country, because of his fondness and affection for the children. The year 2023 marks the 132nd birth anniversary of Nehru.
Panditjee once said, "Children are like buds in the garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured as they are the future of the nation and citizens of tomorrow." Being passionate about fostering the growth and education of children in the nation, Nehru took a hands-on approach in founding some of India's leading educational institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Therefore, the Children's Day celebrations serve as a poignant reminder to highlight and advocate for the rights, care, and education of children. It's a collective effort to bring awareness to the importance of nurturing and safeguarding the well-being of our younger generation.
The Constitution of India enshrines a comprehensive set of rights for children, including:
Right to free and compulsory elementary education: Ensuring that every child in the 6-14 age group has access to education.
Protection from hazardous employment and abuse: Safeguarding children from engaging in any form of dangerous work or facing any type of abuse.
Right to freedom, dignity, and protection against exploitation: Upholding the fundamental rights of children to live with dignity and freedom, and safeguarding them from any form of exploitation.
Right to proper childhood care and education: Guaranteeing children access to adequate care and education during their formative years.
Protection from economic exploitation: Shielding children from being compelled to work in occupations unsuitable for their age or physical strength to meet economic needs.
Right to fair and equal opportunities for overall development: Ensuring that children have an equitable chance for comprehensive development in various aspects of life.
However, the challenges are not easy due to the socio-economic condition of the country. According to UNICEF, India constitutes 20% of global child deaths, surpassing 1.2 million fatalities in children under the age of five. Along with high levels of malnutrition (38.4 per cent of children are stunted) and poor educational outcomes, (only 42.5 per cent of children in grade three can read a grade one text), vaccine-preventable diseases and child labour have plagued the society. Moreover, gender inequality persists in rural areas and more baby girls die under the age of 5 (11 per cent more).
Addressing these challenges in India requires collective efforts from common people. Despite the formidable socio-economic conditions, individuals can contribute by supporting initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and gender equality. Donating to organizations working to improve child nutrition, advocating for quality education, and engaging in community awareness programs can make a significant impact. Additionally, promoting gender equality and empowering women in rural areas can help address the disproportionate mortality rates among baby girls.
Filaantro extends their assistance to underprivileged children dealing with life-threatening medical conditions. Together, these organizations have made a positive impact on the lives of 44,81,098 individuals across India. Their commitment remains steadfast as they continue to focus on children's education and contribute to their overall well-being.
AUTHOR:Arunima Basu
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