Children's Day is celebrated on 14 November, commemorating the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, to raise awareness about the rights, education, and welfare of children.
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“The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country” — Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
In a world that’s rapidly evolving, children are often regarded as the most vulnerable group in society. The concept of child rights emerged as a response to the exploitation, abuse, and neglect faced by children in various parts of the world. Child rights encompass a set of protections, freedoms, and entitlements that ensure children grow up in safe environments, receive education, and are protected from harm. But what exactly are child rights, and why are they so crucial?
Children have rights. Every person on the planet has rights and so every child. Child rights mean that they have the right to everything that helps them be healthy and happy. Nutrition and good health, good schooling, freedom of expression and protection from anything that may be harmful. Every child has the right to good health care and nutrition. It does not matter if one is a boy or a girl. Every child has the right to education. It does not matter, who they are or where they are from. Each one of them, should be able to complete school. Each one of them have the right to protection. Which means that they need to be safe from all sorts of violence-whether at school or the street or even at home. Just because they are children, it does not mean their opinions can be silenced. Only they know what it is to be children. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that every child has the right to survival, Development, Protection and Participation. They deserve to be healthy, happy and full of hope. And they can’t do it alone.
Every Child, Every Right: Across the globe conflicts are becoming increasingly protracted, new escalations of violence are occurring, climate disasters are more frequent, and humanitarian crises are worsening-all inflicting devastating impacts on children and their rights. Every child has the inherent right to a safe, nurturing environment that promotes their holistic development. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) enshrines a comprehensive set of rights to ensure the well-being of every child. These rights encompass survival, protection, and participation, emphasising the significance of fostering a conducive atmosphere for children's growth. The right to survival includes access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and sanitation.
Governments must prioritise policies and initiatives that guarantee children's physical well-being, reducing infant mortality rates and malnutrition. Furthermore, the right to protection necessitates safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and violence. Legal frameworks must be in place to address issues like child labour, trafficking, and early marriage, providing a protective shield for vulnerable youngsters. Equally important is the right to participation, emphasising the inclusion of children in decisions affecting their lives. This involves creating avenues for children to express their opinions and be heard, fostering a sense of empowerment. Education plays a pivotal role in realising this right, as it equips children with the knowledge and skills to engage actively in society. Education is not just a right but a catalyst for the realisation of other rights. It empowers children to break the cycle of poverty, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities. Governments must invest in accessible, quality education to ensure that no child is left behind.
In India, Children's Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the rights, education, and welfare of children. It is celebrated on 14 November every year on the birthday of the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, who was known to have been fond of children. On this day, many educational and motivational programs for children are held all over India. Some schools in India make it a holiday to their students on Children's Day while private schools organise a fair for their students. Children are not just the future of our nation; they are its heartbeat. The way we shape their minds, instil values, and nurture their talents today will determine the India we see tomorrow.
On this Children’s Day, let’s pledge to invest in their growth and well-being. By creating opportunities for learning, emotional development, and empowerment, we can equip our children with the tools they need to lead our country toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Let us love our children not to lose our connection to our original innocence. Children reflect that part of us that is still innocent, loving and forgiving. If we can relate to these qualities in a child, we can certainly reconnect to them within our self. Children give us permission to relate to a fellow child of God without the mask of our ego, with unconditional love, our true essence. Children, because they are full of love, are inherently successful.
Conclusion: Recognising and upholding every child's rights is fundamental to building a just and equitable society. By prioritising survival, protection, and participation, we create an environment where children can thrive, shaping a future characterised by compassion, equality, and opportunity for all. Child rights are the foundation of a fair and equal society. Protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect, and ensuring they have access to basic needs like education, healthcare, and protection, is not just a legal obligation-it’s a moral duty for everyone. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has made significant strides in providing a legal framework to uphold these rights, but challenges still exist, especially in areas affected by poverty, armed conflict, and cultural practices that undermine children’s well-being. While governments and international organisations have made progress, more needs to be done. Awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of laws, and increased support for children’s programmes can help ensure a safer and healthier future for all children. By involving communities and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, we can truly create a world where child rights are respected and upheld for every child, everywhere. “Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future” - John F. Kennedy
Rev. Fr. C. Joseph,
Counsellor,
St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama.