Childhood is perhaps the best part of anyone’s life, as during this time we enjoy life to the fullest. Children don’t know what pain is, they don’t know the harsh realities of time and are happy in their own happy world. Children’s Day is a special day that aims to celebrate childhood, the most wonderful stage in a person’s life. Universally, Children’s Day is usually celebrated on June 1, but not regularly. International Children’s Day originates from the World Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland for the welfare of children. In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14, this day commemorates the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Nehru was very fond of children and was often photographed with them and it is perhaps quite appropriate that his birthday is celebrated as children’s day.
Pt. Nehru is seen as a special child of India as he was the country’s first Prime Minister, which he achieved after a long struggle for freedom and independence. On this day the whole school organizes different kinds of fun activities for the children. Communities and cultural clubs also organize different activities for children. Different types of contests are also held on this day and prizes are distributed to the winners. It is that day of the year when we not only celebrate childhood but also remember one of the most outstanding leaders in Indian history. Almost every school has some or the other events scheduled for this day and this is a day that children are looking forward to. And now, due to the great advances made by satellite television, you will invariably find channels broadcasting different programs to attract the attention of children on this day.
The first memories that come to mind about Children’s Day are the excitement and anticipation that my friends and I used to have. It was a great opportunity for all of us and we really wanted to participate in all the activities and win those prizes too. In those days all my friends aimed for those prizes on children’s day since most of them were tickets to some attraction in an amusement park. Now what better than this can be as a gift for a child? I remember participating in a trivia contest with my friend and we won first prize there. The prize was a book on fairy tales and let me tell you, this is one of the most prized possessions in my book collection.
Children’s Day is celebrated on different days in different countries of the world. In Japan it is celebrated on May 5 and this day is known as Kodomo no hi, in Israel it is celebrated on October 9, Hong Kong on April 4. Children all over the world look forward to the day when Children’s Day is celebrated in their country, as it is the only day where they can enjoy and celebrate the joy of childhood.