"Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together they make this world a beautiful garden." This fascinating popular quote reminds us of the uniqueness of each child and the collective beauty they bring to our lives and the world. Let the world be free from the shadow of the Pied Piper, who led the children away from their village to the top of Koppelberg Hill, never to return. The street in Hamelin, called Bungelosenstrasse (the street without drums), is believed to be the place where the children were last seen. Ever since, music and dancing is not allowed there. Children’s Day, however, is a celebration meant to overcome such dark associations. It is supposed to build on the powerful child characters of ‘The Famous Five,’ the hit novel of Enid Blyton, where children, while holidaying in an old dilapidated lighthouse, recover a lost treasure all by themselves. One cannot forget the strong child characters of Bhakt Prahalad and Nachiketa in the mythology. However, the quintessential example of Children’s Day could be found in the escapades of young, bubbly Krishna in Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger to protect the people and cows of Vrindavan from a massive rainstorm, which was sent by the god Indra. Did William Wordsworth think of child Krishna when he wrote, “The child is the father of the man”?
It is a day dedicated to celebrating children. The idea dates back to the early 20th century. The first official communique of Children's Day was made in 1925 at the World Conference on Child Welfare held in Geneva, Switzerland. Since then, many countries have designed their own versions of the celebration. The day aims to raise awareness about children’s rights, their needs, and their well-being. Although celebrated on different dates around the world, the underlying message is universal: every child deserves love, care, protection, and theopportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. While the day is often filled with fun and joy, its true essence lies in recognising that children are the future of the world.
In 1954, the United Nations declared November 20 as Universal Children’s Day. This was done to promote global togetherness, increase awareness among children worldwide, and improve their overall welfare.
