Children’s Day: Holiday, picnic, and exam on school menu

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Nov. 13: At the recommendation of the United Nations, Nov. 20 is reserved for Children’s Day universally. However, in India it is celebrated on Nov. 14 to coincide with the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was known for his fondness towards children.

Regardless of the variance in date, children across the world look forward to their day with excitement and anticipation.

Here in Nagaland, the day falls within the academic season of schools and the reaction from some of the institutes in Dimapur are varied. Some schools in Dimapur are even conducting examinations on the day.

Some have declared holiday on Nov. 14, preceded by a pre-celebration on Nov. 13. Still, many schools will be dedicating the day to the children by conducting various programmes at the school. Interestingly, a few schools will celebrate parents’ day on Children’s Day.

The principal of MGM Higher Secondary School in Dimapur, Dr. Fr. PS Varghese told Eastern Mirror that the school will celebrate Children’s Day as well as its annual day on Nov. 14. The students should know about ‘chacha’ (Hindi for uncle) Nehru’s contribution to the freedom movement of India, he said.

But education should be entertaining otherwise learning becomes monotonous, according to the principal.

At Smart Kidz Montessori School, a pre-school in Lhomithi colony, the teachers will be performing for the students. Likewise, Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sewak colony will be conducting a Children’s Day fair.

Also, Zanübu Mission School, Khulazu Basa village in Phek district will be having a school picnic. All the seven centres of Boscom School in Dimapur are having a joint celebration at its main centre in Nagagaon.

On the other hand, students of Government Middle School in Lhomithi are having examinations and possibly, there will not be any celebration for them. In contrast, Government Middle School in Midland colony has announced the day as holiday.

In schools like Maple Tree, Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, there were pre-celebrations ob Nov. 13. At Little Star, the day will instead be observed as parent’s day.

According to the principal of the school, Christina Neikhrienuo, parents’ day was originally scheduled for Nov. 17. However, she said, they were forced to reschedule due to ‘examinations and time constraint.’

At Maple Tree, a Children’s Day carnival was held on Nov. 13 at the school premises. Students not only from Maple Tree but also from other schools in Dimapur were seen visiting various stalls of food, games and craft set up by local entrepreneurs.