From Nehru to Modi: How Children’s Day in India Has Evolved to Empower a Future-Ready Generation

From Nehru to Modi: How Children’s Day in India Has Evolved to Empower a Future-Ready Generation

www.systembaba.com - Nov 12, 2024

Children’s Day in India, celebrated on November 14th, marks the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and serves as a day to honour and inspire the nation’s young minds. Over the years, the celebration of Children’s Day has evolved, shaped by both Nehru’s legacy and the priorities of successive leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Here is a look at how Children’s Day has progressed from Nehru's era to the present day under PM Modi.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Vision and the Beginning of Children’s Day

• Why November 14?
  Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as "Chacha Nehru," had a special place in his heart for children, whom he saw as the architects of the nation’s future. Recognizing his affection for children, India chose his birthday, November 14, as Children's Day to celebrate his legacy and commitment to child welfare.
• Emphasis on Education and Youth Welfare
  Nehru’s policies focused on building a progressive, educated, and scientifically oriented generation. His emphasis on education led to the establishment of prominent educational institutions and scientific research centers, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). His vision for children as nation-builders laid the foundation for future initiatives around child welfare and education.

Children’s Day Through the Decades: Expanding Welfare and Rights

After Nehru, Children’s Day continued to gain significance. Various government initiatives were introduced over the decades to expand educational access, health services, and nutritional programs for children. Some key developments included:

• National Policy on Education (1986, 1992)
  These policies aimed to make education more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, could receive quality education. The policies emphasized universal enrolment and sought to reduce dropout rates among children.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme (1995)
  Launched in 1995, this scheme aimed to provide nutritious meals to children in government and government-aided schools to address hunger and malnutrition and encourage school attendance. The program has since expanded, becoming one of the world’s largest school feeding programs.
• Right to Education Act (RTE) (2009)
  The RTE Act mandated free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, marking a significant step towards universal education in India. This law reinforced the commitment to children's education, a vision that Nehru himself had promoted in the early years of independent India.

Children’s Day Under PM Narendra Modi: New Initiatives and Focus Areas

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Children’s Day has become a platform for introducing initiatives that address modern challenges and prepare children for a technology-driven world. Key programs and priorities under PM Modi’s government include:

1. Digital India for Education Access
   The “Digital India” initiative, launched in 2015, has focused on integrating technology into education. Online learning platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA offer digital educational resources to students nationwide, enhancing access to quality learning materials, especially for children in remote areas.
2. Atal Tinkering Labs and the Atal Innovation Mission
   To inspire creativity and innovation among young learners, the Atal Innovation Mission established Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across India. These labs provide students with access to cutting-edge technology, such as 3D printers, robotics kits, and coding resources, fostering a culture of hands-on learning, and preparing students for future STEM fields.
3. POSHAN Abhiyaan and Mission Indradhanush
   Addressing children's health and nutrition is a priority under Modi’s administration. The POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) focuses on improving nutritional outcomes and reducing malnutrition among children, while Mission Indradhanush aims to achieve full immunization for children, ensuring that even underserved populations receive essential vaccinations.
4. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and Vocational Education
   Under Samagra Shiksha, the Modi government has integrated vocational training modules into school curricula to give students practical skills from an early age. The program emphasizes skill development and introduces job-oriented training, helping prepare students for a diverse, evolving job market.
5. Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety Awareness
   With increasing internet access among children, the Modi government has focused on digital literacy and cyber safety. Initiatives like the Cyber Swachhta Kendra aim to educate children and parents about online safety, responsible internet use, and the importance of digital hygiene.
6. Inclusivity and Accessibility in Education
   To make learning accessible to children with disabilities, PM Modi’s administration has introduced assistive technologies and accessible platforms, such as enhanced accessibility features in the DIKSHA app. This effort is part of a broader push to make quality education inclusive and equal for all children, in line with the government’s "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" vision.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Children’s Day in India

Children’s Day continues to be a celebration of childhood and a reminder of the nation’s commitment to nurturing its future generations. Under the leadership of PM Modi, this day highlights not only joy and innocence but also the importance of preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of a globalized, tech-centric world. With initiatives in digital literacy, health, nutrition, and STEM education, the Modi government is building on Nehru’s vision, ensuring that children have the skills, support, and resources they need to thrive.

Thus, Children’s Day in India remains a celebration of young lives and a reaffirmation of the nation’s dedication to shaping a promising future for its children—reflecting the collective dreams of both Pandit Nehru and today’s leaders.