First Prime Minister, the great leader and freedom fighter of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14. Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. The more popular and famous of Nehru's pictures show him with children. Thus, after his death in 1963, his birthday has been celebrated as Children's Day in India.

In all the photographs Nehru's joy at being with children is apparent. When he is not sharing pleasantries with them, the expression of intense concentration as he listens to them reveals his commitment and attitude to children. Children to Nehru were little adults in the making. Nehru, to children, is never the Indian political leader and prime minister. He is always Chacha Nehru - Nehru Uncle.

It is said that Nehru started to wear a rose on his jacket after a child pinned one on it. The national children's centre, Jawahar Balbhavan, is also named after Jawaharlal Nehru. Children's Day is literally that. It is the day when children all over the country are pampered with goodies. From the schoolchild's point of view, the best thing perhaps is that it is a special day at school - they need not wear uniforms and are given sweets..

Children's Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power. Schools celebrate by organizing cultural programmes and then take the day off. Children's Day is to celebrate "childhood". On Children's Day tribute is paid to all children in the world. Children are loved by one and all. They win over our hearts with their angelic eyes and innocent smiles.

Most schools have cultural programmes for the day, with the students managing it all. All over the country, various cultural, social, and even corporate, institutions conduct competitions for children. Children's Day is a day for children to engage in fun and frolic. Schools celebrate this day by organizing cultural programmes.Teachers of the school perform songs and dances for their students. Various competitions like quizzes, fancy dress competitions, and elocutions are organized on this day. In the recent years even Television networks have started to air special programmes all day long for kids on November 14, making this day a special treat.

So all together Nov 14 is the sweetest day for the children as they are treated specially and also a great day for all the Indians as it is the great national leader's birth day. So come, let us tribute this day to all adorable children and their favorite Chacha Nehru.

" WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY "

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