Since 1956, Children’s Day has been celebrated annually in India on November 14, to honour the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The day is dedicated to recognising the innocence, joy and potential of children, holding immense significance across the country. More than just a celebration, it serves as an opportunity to reflect on the state of children’s rights in India and remind government bodies, educators and parents of their responsibility to provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment for children.
Various initiatives are undertaken on this day to raise awareness about children’s rights, needs and the importance of their holistic development. Below are some of the key promises we must keep for the sake of our children’s future.
Key Promises for a Healthy Childhood
- Promise to Provide Quality Education
For centuries, efforts have been made to ensure that education is both free and mandatory for all children. Yet, we still struggle to ensure that every child attends school. Gone are the days when survival with little or no education was a reality. In today’s fast-paced world, education—acknowledged as a fundamental right—is essential to thrive. It equips children not only with knowledge but also with the skills required to navigate and succeed in a highly competitive marketplace. Only through quality education can a child’s full potential be realised. Education builds confidence, empowers decision-making and offers the means to break the cycle of poverty.
An educated individual contributes to the economic growth of society and the nation. Countries with strong education systems and higher literacy rates often experience increased productivity and economic development. That’s why the promise to provide quality education must be fulfilled without delay.
- Promise to Provide a Clean and Healthy Environment
Modernisation, driven by industries and factories, has undoubtedly contributed to societal progress. However, it has also led to a growing environmental crisis, with pollution levels rising across the globe. Many areas struggle to access clean water, air and sanitation. Exposure to environmental toxins—such as air pollution, lead and pesticides—can severely impact a child’s development, resulting in conditions like asthma, developmental delays and long-term health issues.
A clean and healthy environment is crucial for a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. Access to clean water, nutritious food, and proper sanitation helps prevent health complications, ensuring that children can grow and thrive. In light of the global healthcare challenges we face, it has become urgent to fulfil our promise of providing a healthy and safe environment for children.
- Promise of Safety
A child’s environment plays a critical role in shaping their emotional and mental well-being. Children need a safe, nurturing and supportive atmosphere to develop resilience, self-esteem and emotional health. Those who grow up in unsafe or chaotic conditions, characterised by violence, neglect or poverty, are at greater risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. On the other hand, children raised in secure, loving environments are more likely to develop empathy, strong social skills and positive relationships.
Ensuring that children are free from violence, exploitation, and abuse is essential for their safety. A secure environment fosters emotional well-being, promotes positive social behaviours and teaches children to value diversity and inclusivity. These qualities are fundamental for shaping socially responsible and compassionate adults. Ensuring the safety of children is a promise we must uphold to secure their future and well-being.
Smile Foundation’s Contribution
Founded in 2002, Smile Foundation has worked to uplift children, focusing on education as a primary pillar of empowerment. We believe that education is the key to breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Through our flagship programme, Mission Education, we support underserved children by providing access to quality education, nutrition and healthcare support.
We support children between the ages of three and 18 from disadvantaged communities, offering them quality education, remedial education, vocational training, scholarships and more. In the financial year 2022-23, Smile Foundation reached over 120,000 children through our education programmes, provided vocational training to more than 44,000 children, supported infrastructure development for 25,000 children and awarded scholarships to nearly 2,000 girls for education.
Conclusion
Children’s Day in India is a celebration of our future generation. On this day, we recognise the vast potential of every child and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to nurturing and protecting its youngest citizens. It is a time for reflection on the progress we have made, but also a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. By keeping the promises made to our children, we can create a just, equitable, and hopeful future for all.
