When India celebrated 20th November as the Children's Day
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Mayank Dubey
Children Day used to be celebrated on Nov 20 till 1963 in India - in line with the Universal Children’s Day observed by the UN. So what changed, and why?
“Nehru Died. And Legislators paid tribute.”
Following the death of Nehru, the parliament decided to celebrate the day on his birth anniversary as a tribute to the first PM of the nation who loved children very much.
He once said, "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country."
Why he is referred to as 'Chachaji'?
There is no documented story or event. It is popularly believed that he loved children like their own uncle would.
Another popular version is that Nehru was like a younger brother to the Mahatma Gandhi - father of the nation. And by that logic he became Uncle of the nation's children.
What happens on children's day?
Schools organize various fun and extracurricular activities like quiz, debate, sports and cultural competitions on this day.
What are the legal rights of a child in India?
Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6-14 year age group (Article 21 A).
Right to be protected from employment till the age of 14 years (Article 24)
Right to equal opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner
Right to freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against exploitation