Children before Everything’ is the theme of International Children’s day this year. Children’s day in India is celebrated on 14th November every year. It speaks of children’s rights, care and education. It also offers it’s tribute to our first Prime Minister- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was a supporter of children’s education, always looking for ways to ensure they receive a fulfilled life in terms of academics. This day is a reflection of his love and fondness for kids.

Children’s day was celebrated on 20th November each year before 1964, a date recognised by the United Nations. After the demise of our beloved Chacha Nehru, his birth date was declared as Children’s day in India.

The day is celebrated with gusto in schools and children institutions. Toys, sweets and gifts are given to children and an attempt to make it special for them is well-taken care of. But, as an individual, we must also look at the bigger picture. Is every child in the country able to avail his fundamental right to education, health and family? Are they free from child abuse? Has the menace of child labour completely abolished? If not, the least we can do is spread awareness for the parents and ask to give them an environment where they can thrive.

In fact, an average child’s mind today is as stressful as an adult. We see small children going for classes instead of playing around with friends. Children have started losing their innocence. They just want to make sure that nobody thinks of them as a CHILD. Instead of being a phase of life, growing up has become a race in which every child aspires to conquer first position. All of us must understand that childhood is one of the best gifts life can give us and we must utilise it as long as we can. We must bring some kind of madness to our boring, civilised and modern life and enjoy this Children’s Day as much as we can! In every adult is a child that wants to play and it should always remain that way.

Children are the gift given by God and it’s our sole responsibility to mould them in a right path. Bringing up the children is a wonderful art and it’s the responsibility of parents, teachers and society to teach love and goodness to children.

According to Mark 10:13-16-People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.

Let us pledge to keep the motive intact and actionable to enjoy the day entitled to the youth and children in its truest sense. It might be only a date, 14th November, but let it sow a seed which will reap benefits in the coming years.

“The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country”- Jawaharlal Nehru.

-Juvella