The 14th of November each year is celebrated as Children’s Day all over India. The birthday of Pandit Jawahar Lai Nehru, the first Prime Minister of free India, falls on that day. It has an importance of its own.
Pandit Nehru had a great love for children. He wanted to be among them, talk to them and play with them the children also loved and respected him and called him “Chacha Nehru”.
The day is celebrated by the people of India in a befitting manner. Early in the morning people begin gathering at Shanti Van, where Chacha Nehru was cremated, to pay homage to the great leader. The visitors include the President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and high officials. Wreaths are placed at the Samadhi, prayers are held and hymns are chanted. Tributes are paid to Pandit Nehru for his sacrifices, achievements in international politics and peace efforts.
School children organise cultural programmes to celebrate the day. They sing national songs and stage short dramas. There are many celebrations, including one at Teen Murti where Nehru lived as Prime Minister and one at Parliament. House Students are exhorted to be patriotic and follow into the footsteps of Pandit Nehru.