National Children’s Day 2024 Date, Speech, History, Wishes

India Children’s Day 2024: Date, History, Significance and All You Need To Know

Children’s Day is an annual event that takes place throughout India with the aim of promoting awareness about the well-being, education, and rights of children. This momentous celebration occurs on the 14th of November each year, coinciding with the birth anniversary of India’s inaugural prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, renowned for his deep affection towards children. Throughout the nation, numerous educational and inspirational initiatives are orchestrated on this auspicious day. Notably, certain schools in India grant their students a day off in observance of Children’s Day, while private educational institutions arrange delightful fairs exclusively for their young pupils.

National Children’s Day 2024 Date in India: 14th November, Monday

National Children’s Day 2024 Overview

National Children’s Day 2024 India Calendar

Celebrate National Children’s Day 2024 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.

When is National Children’s Day 2024?

Every year, on the 14th of November, the nation comes together to celebrate National Children’s Day, a day dedicated to the well-being and happiness of our young ones. This special day holds significant meaning as it coincides with the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent leader and advocate for children’s rights. It is a day where children are celebrated for their innocence, creativity, and potential, as communities organize various events and activities to honor and empower the future generation. From educational programs to cultural performances, the spirit of National Children’s Day fills the air, reminding us of the importance of nurturing, protecting, and cherishing our children.

History of National Children’s Day

The inaugural Flower Day, which later evolved into Children’s Day, took place on 5 November 1948 under the auspices of the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW). This event aimed to raise funds for the United Nations Appeal for Children (UNAC) by selling flower tokens. The following year, on 30 July 1949, Children’s Day gained widespread recognition and was promoted through various media channels, including radio, articles, and cinema.

In 1951, V.M. Kulkarni, a United Nations Social Welfare Fellow, conducted a study on the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents in the United Kingdom. During this research, Kulkarni noticed the absence of a comprehensive system to care for underprivileged children in India. Inspired by England’s Flag Day, which raised funds for the “Save the Child Fund” on Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, Kulkarni proposed that Pandit Nehru’s birthday be designated as Flag Day in India. The purpose of this day would be to collect funds for non-governmental organizations working towards child welfare. Initially hesitant, Nehru eventually agreed to this proposal.

Although Nehru’s birthday (14 November) had been publicly celebrated throughout India since 1947, with public gatherings and children’s games in his honor, it was not until 1954 that the day was officially recognized as Children’s Day. The first commemoration of this nature took place in Delhi’s National Stadium and attracted over 50,000 school children.

In 1957, 14 November was officially declared Children’s Day in India through a special government decree. To mark this occasion, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs issued first day covers and three commemorative stamps bearing the name Bal Diwas (“Children’s Day”).

National Children’s Day Wishes 2024

• Let’s celebrate the day of innocence and joy. Happy Children’s Day!
• From a child we learn giggling, laughing and playing. Let us continue to celebrate the day of children. Happy children’s Day!
• Children are the gift of God to us. Happy Children’s Day!
• Wishing Happy Children’ s day to the child within all of us. Happy Children’s Day to all!
• May the purity of your child’s heart never fade. Happy Children Day!
• From a child, we must learn to be happy for no reason. Happy Children Day!

Children’s Favourite Nehru

Children held a special place in Jawaharlal Nehru’s heart, earning him the endearing nickname “Chacha Nehru” or “Uncle Nehru.” Their unwavering faith in him brought immeasurable joy to his life. As the Prime Minister, Nehru was determined to foster an environment in which children and their well-being were at the forefront of national attention. In 1955, he established the Children’s Film Society India, ensuring that Indian children could see themselves represented on screen.

M. O. Mathai, in his book My Days With Nehru (1979), revealed Nehru’s genuine concern for children and their welfare. He saw in their innocent faces and sparkling eyes the very future of India. Nehru firmly believed that no amount of investment in children and their mothers was excessive; rather, it was a wise investment for the nation’s future. When asked by Ram Narayan Chaudhary in a 1958 interview whether his fondness for children stemmed from their significance to the future of the country, Nehru responded with conviction, stating that he had always believed that today’s children would shape tomorrow’s India, and that their upbringing would determine the destiny of the nation.

This philosophy is beautifully illustrated in Nehru’s letters to his daughter, Indira Gandhi, during her childhood. These letters have been published as books, including Letters from a Father to His Daughter (1929) and Glimpses of World History (1934). Renowned for their warm and affectionate tone, as well as Nehru’s lucid and spontaneous writing style, these books have gained fame as children’s non-fiction. They not only provide a wealth of information but also instill humanist values, making them relatable and appealing to any child who reads them.

However, it has been noted by Sir Walter Crocker in the biography Nehru: A Contemporary’s Estimate (1966) that Nehru’s affinity for children was quite limited. Crocker highlights that Nehru’s interactions with children were often perfunctory, especially during public appearances or television appearances. One could argue that Nehru’s portrayal of a caring and affectionate figure, particularly with the moniker of “Cha Cha” (Uncle) Nehru, was more of a pretense than a genuine inclination towards children. This performance reached its peak on his birthday, where orchestrated displays of children offering flowers and excessive photography took place. Such contrived events were not reflective of his true character, as his actual interest in children remained minimal. It is important to emphasize that Nehru’s acting abilities were merely peripheral aspects of his personality and should not be misconstrued as disingenuous.