Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: India today celebrates Children’s Day with enthusiasm and nationwide events, commemorating the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister, who was born on this day in 1889 in Allahabad. Popularly known as Chacha Nehru, he was widely admired for his deep affection for children.

Nehru believed that the future of the nation lay in the hands of its young citizens, and his strong bond with children led to the decision to observe November 14 as Children’s Day. After his death on May 27, 1964, the government officially declared his birthday as the annual day dedicated to children.

Celebrations were held across the country today-from remote villages to major cities-with schools organizing cultural programs, quiz competitions, sports events and awareness activities highlighting children’s rights, education and welfare. Many institutions also distributed sweets, toys and gifts to students to mark the occasion.

While Children’s Day has been observed globally since 1925, the United Nations declared November 20, 1954, as Universal Children’s Day. However, India continues to celebrate the day on November 14 in honour of Nehru’s enduring legacy and his belief that “today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens.”