Written by Prarthana Sheopuri. Managing Editor, I Kid You Not.

You know this, but very quickly – Children’s Day is celebrated every year in India on November 14, to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is also known as ‘Bal Diwas’ or ‘Bal Din’.

Pandit Nehru was fondly known as ‘Chacha Nehru’. He believed that children are the foundation of a society and should be provided with a nurturing environment to produce the talented leaders and flag bearers of future India.

Interestingly there are other days that are quite similar to the Indian – Bal Diwas.

Quick facts about the different Children’s Days celebrated throughout the world.

International Children’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of June, and the 20th of November is observed as World Children’s Day.

What is the difference and significance(importance) of these days?

In 1925, the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, designated a day but no specific date as International Children’s Day.

There was no specific date recommended, so countries chose their own dates. Many ex-Soviet (Russian) countries chose June 1 as ‘The International Day for Protection of Children following the Women’s International Democratic Federation’s congress in Moscow that took place in 1949.

Since then June 1 is celebrated as International Children’s Day.

World Children’s Day, on the other hand, was first established on the 20th of November 1954 as Universal Children’s Day by the UN (United Nations).

What’s The United Nations?

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945  by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, friendly relations among nations, and better living standards along with human rights. The number of participating countries in the UN has now gone up to 193.

It was also the day when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in the year 1989. Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights, making the day super special.

Though the two days have different origins (beginnings), they still celebrate and work toward the future of the world ie children.

Was 14th November always considered Children’s Day in India?

India along with the rest of the world celebrated Children’s Day on 20th November.

It was only in 1957 that 14^th November was officially declared Children’s Day in India by a special government edict. Children’s Day celebrations across India are recognized to raise awareness about the rights, care, and education of children. 

What is a special government edict?

A government edict is an official order given by the government.

Let’s make it easy with an example:

If your mom asks you to clean your room, that’s an order. If the government asks you to do it, that’s an edict — an official order from some higher-up.

Let’s get to know some basic rights of a Child 

According to the Constitution (think of it as a rule book) of India, the rights of children include:

• Right to get free and compulsory elementary education, in the 6-14 year age group.
• Protection from any harmful or dangerous employment or abuse.
• Right to get proper childhood care
• Right to be protected from working for money, especially unsuited to their age or strength – Child labour
• Right to get fair and equal opportunities for overall development
• Right to freedom and dignity(self-respect) 

In short…

November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day across India to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness and advocating children’s rights.

What did you do on this day? Tell us in the comments…

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