Why Children's Day is observed on November 14: the date is tied to Nehru's birth anniversary

Children's Day is observed in India every year on November 14, the birth anniversary of the country's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, now called Prayagraj. Children affectionately called him "Chacha Nehru".

Schools hold a range of programmes for children on the day. Sports and cultural events are organised in many places, along with speech, drawing and other competitions. The purpose of the day is to focus on children's happiness, their education and their better future.

The date is linked to Nehru. After his death in 1964, it was decided to observe his birth anniversary, November 14, as Children's Day. Earlier, Children's Day in India was observed on November 20, a date tied to the United Nations' Universal Children's Day. Nehru was deeply fond of children and believed in their development, education and bright future. For this reason, his birthday was dedicated to children in his memory.

Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India. He took part in the freedom struggle and served as Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964 after Independence. Because of his love for children, he came to be known as "Chacha Nehru". He believed the country's future rested on children, and so regarded their education, health and a good environment as essential. He held that children should get the right opportunities to move ahead, so that they could contribute to the country's development when they grew up.

Nehru considered children the future of the nation. He held that they should not be confined to bookish knowledge alone, and should also get the chance to play, write, read, sing and do work of their choice.

In a message to children on November 14, 1957, he stressed the importance of play and other creative activities alongside studies. He wanted children to move ahead with courage rather than fear. Nehru's thinking was that children should get love, good education and an environment in which to develop their talents.

Children's Day is not only a day of celebration. It is also an occasion to focus on children's needs and rights. Every child has the right to good education, nutritious food, medical care, safety and equal opportunities to develop. Protecting children from child labour, violence, discrimination and exploitation is the responsibility of society.

On this day, schools and other institutions hold special programmes for children. In many places they are given gifts and their art and skills are appreciated. Children's Day is a reminder that making childhood happy and the future secure is everyone's responsibility.