“…A handful of promise,
A heart of compassion,
A smile full of hope,
We would hold hands together in helping them conceive their dreams…
Because they are the little bits and pieces that make us whole…”
― Chinonye J. Chidolue
United Nations Universal Children’s Day was recognized in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international friendship, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. November 20 is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14 as a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, who was born on November 14, 1889. Nehru was fondly called Chacha Nehru because of his love for children. Schools organise various events on this day. Prior to 1964, India celebrated Children’s Day on November 20. But after Nehru’s death in 1964, a decision was taken to celebrate his birthday as Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas.
Right now, more than ever, incidents of child abuse are so common, there is a need for awareness on children’s rights. With that end in view and for some fun especially for the underprivileged children, West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights is organising a number of events this week from November 14 to 20.
A tram ride has been organised for 250 underprivileged children on November 14. A ride through the city is certainly a lot of fun! There is also a cultural program to be performed by children from various Child Care Institutions.
A Sky show treat at the Birla Planetarium will be organised on November 16 and will be attended by 180 children from various Child Care Institutions.
On International Child Right’s Day, November 20, at Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Salt Lake over 500 children from all over West Bengal will attend a programme. Shashi Panja, minister of the social welfare department among others will be present to offer awards to children for bravery and for upholding child rights, to journalists reporting on Child Rights and to child friendly police personnel and the best child care institutions.
