National Children’s Day in India 2023 (14th November)

India Children’s Day 2023: Date, History, Significance and All You Need To Know

India Children’s Day is a remarkable occasion that sweeps across the entire nation, dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare, education, and rights of our beloved children. This momentous celebration, which takes place on November 14th every year, coincides with the birth anniversary of the esteemed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, who was renowned for his unconditional love and care for children. On this auspicious day, an array of educational and inspiring initiatives are meticulously organized throughout the country. It is worth mentioning that some schools even grant their students a well-deserved break to honor Children’s Day, while private educational institutions go above and beyond by organizing delightful fairs exclusively for their young, bright pupils.

National Children’s Day 2023 Date in India: 14th November, Saturday

National Children’s Day 2023 Overview

National Children’s Day 2023 India Calendar

Celebrate National Children’s Day 2023 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.

When is National Children’s Day 2023?

Each passing year, when the 14th of November arrives, our entire nation unites in jubilation for National Children’s Day. This momentous occasion is devoted to the well-being and utter bliss of our beloved young ones. The significance of this day is amplified as it aligns flawlessly with the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, a distinguished leader and ardent defender of children’s rights. It stands as a commemoration to honor the pure-heartedness, ingenuity, and boundless potential that resides within each child. Communities join forces, orchestrating a myriad of captivating events and activities, all crafted with the intention of celebrating and empowering the forthcoming generation. From enlightening educational programs to enchanting cultural performances, the very essence of National Children’s Day fills the atmosphere, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of nurturing, safeguarding, and cherishing our precious little ones.

History of National Children’s Day

On November 5, 1948, the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW) organized the inaugural Flower Day, which later transformed into Children’s Day. The primary objective of this event was to generate funds for the United Nations Appeal for Children (UNAC) by selling flower tokens. The following year, on July 30, 1949, Children’s Day gained widespread recognition and received extensive promotion through various media channels, including radio, articles, and cinema.

In 1951, V.M. Kulkarni, a United Nations Social Welfare Fellow, conducted a study in the United Kingdom on the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents. During this research, Kulkarni observed the absence of a comprehensive system to cater to underprivileged children in India. Inspired by England’s Flag Day, which successfully 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 core purpose of this special day would be to collect funds for non-governmental organizations dedicated to child welfare. Initially hesitant, Nehru eventually embraced this proposal.

While Nehru’s birthday (November 14) had been celebrated throughout India since 1947 with public gatherings and games for children in his honor, it was not until 1954 that the day officially obtained the recognition of Children’s Day. The initial commemoration of this nature took place in Delhi’s National Stadium and witnessed the participation of over 50,000 school children.

In 1957, November 14 was officially declared as Children’s Day in India through a special government decree. To mark this significant 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 2023

• One hour with a child will teach you a lifetime worth of joy and innocence. Happy Children’s Day! Childhood is about glee and playfulness. Happy Children’s Day!
• May the laughter and innocence of a child last for a lifetime. Happy Children’s Day!
• Spend this day with your little buddies. Make a promise to bring joy in their life. Happy Children’s Day!
• Kids are the world’s greatest happiness. Happy Children’s Day!
• Children are budding stars, the more you inspire them the more they learn. Happy Children’s Day!
• Let’s join hands on this Children’s Day to make this world a safer place for the little ones. Happy Children’s Day!

Children’s Favourite Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru cherished a deep affection for children, earning him the affectionate monikers of “Chacha Nehru” or “Uncle Nehru.” Their unwavering trust in him brought immense delight to his soul. As the Prime Minister, Nehru displayed a resolute commitment to creating an environment where children and their well-being took center stage in national priorities. In the year 1955, he established the Children’s Film Society India, ensuring that Indian children could witness their own representation on the big screen.

In his book My Days With Nehru (1979), M. O. Mathai unveiled Nehru’s genuine concern for children and their welfare. He perceived in their innocent countenances and gleaming eyes the very future of India. Nehru firmly held the belief that no investment in children and their mothers could ever be deemed excessive; rather, it was a prudent investment for the nation’s tomorrow. When questioned by Ram Narayan Chaudhary during an interview in 1958 about whether his fondness for children stemmed from their significance to the country’s future, Nehru responded with unwavering conviction. He stated that he had always held the belief that today’s children would shape India’s tomorrow, and that their upbringing would determine the destiny of the nation.

Nehru’s letters to his daughter, Indira Gandhi, serve as a captivating embodiment of his philosophy. These epistolary treasures, available as published works such as “Letters from a Father to His Daughter” (1929) and “Glimpses of World History” (1934), have transcended their mere status as children’s non-fiction. With their endearing and tender tone, coupled with Nehru’s eloquent and spontaneous writing style, these books not only impart a wealth of knowledge but also nurture a sense of humanistic values. The universal appeal of these letters makes them relatable and captivating for any young reader.

However, it is worth noting that Sir Walter Crocker, in his biography “Nehru: A Contemporary’s Estimate” (1966), sheds light on Nehru’s somewhat limited affinity for children. Crocker highlights that Nehru’s interactions with children often seemed perfunctory, particularly during public or television appearances. Some may argue that Nehru’s portrayal of a caring and affectionate figure, affectionately referred to as “Cha Cha” (Uncle) Nehru, was more of a facade rather than a genuine inclination towards children. This charade reached its zenith on Nehru’s birthday, with orchestrated displays of children offering flowers and excessive photography. However, it is crucial to emphasize that Nehru’s acting skills merely constituted peripheral aspects of his character and should not be misconstrued as insincerity.