Bal Diwas 2024: Why Was There a Demand to Change Children’s Day from November 14 to December 26? Check the Reason

Out of 60 MPs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 2018 it was proposed to replace November 14th as Children's Day in India with December 26th. This was a proposal for remembering the Chhote Sahibzaade, the two younger sons of the Sikh leader Guru Gobind Singh who offered themselves in sacrifice. The members of the parliament argued that this date would better commemorate children; it would exemplify their courage and heritage in Indian history. 

Proposal to Change Children's Day to December 26

The MPs proposed that despite December 26 becoming Children's Day, November 14 would remain "Chacha Diwas" or "Uncle Nehru Day," in a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. Nehru is remembered for his enormous love for children and his vision for them as the hope of a new generation of the nation.

This proposal reflects a greater cultural feeling of the need to pay reverence to multiple aspects of India's heritage and history and pay attention to children's rights and welfare. However, so far, Children's Day remains to be celebrated on November 14 in India and hence continues to stay connected to the Nehru legacy.

Arguments in Favor of Changing Children's Day

There is a strong case for a change of Children's Day in India from November 14 to December 26, because there have been strong demands to dedicate the latter date to Sahibzades, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, which are commemorated as martyrdom. Here are key arguments for the change:

• Tribute to Martyrdom: December 26 is the day when Sahibzada Jorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh accepted the sacrifice of their lives in 1705. Advocates argue that this date is a great reminder of courage and sacrifice and, therefore, would be a great day to honour the children and inspire them with stories of bravery.
• Cultural Significance: The change focuses on paying tribute to those who have become icons of patriotism for having lost great sacrifices during their life. To celebrate Children's Day on this day is to inculcate a feeling of patriotism and belonging in young Indians by inspiring them to emulate the values of justice and endurance embodied by Sahibzades.
• Separation from Nehru's Legacy: The November 14 festivals are traced to Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday. Supporters argue that his commemorations are regularly subordinate to other historical persons' and that November 14 must instead be commemorated as "Chacha Diwas" to honour Nehru with Children's Day assuming another face of Indian heritage.

These arguments represent the desire to pay their respects to the different stories within India's past and facilitate values that generations yet to come ought to embrace.

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