Proposal to change Indian Children’s Day to December 26 to honor the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons who showed courage and sacrifice. This change will also differentiate the date from Nehru’s legacy, honoring a broader range of India’s rich historical and cultural values.
Among the 60 parliamentarians of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 2018 it was proposed to replace November 14 as Children’s Day in India with December 26. This was a proposal to commemorate Chhote Sahibzaade, the two young sons of Sikh leader Guru Gobind Singh, who sacrificed himself. Members of parliament thought the day would be better to remember children; it will showcase their courage and legacy in Indian history.
Proposal to change Children’s Day to December 26
The MPs proposed that while December 26 becomes Children’s Day, November 14 will remain “Chacha Diwas Day” or “Uncle Nehru Day” in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru is remembered for his great love for children and his vision of them as hope for a new generation of the country.
This proposal reflects a larger cultural feeling about the need to respect many aspects of India’s heritage and history as well as pay attention to the rights and welfare of children. However, to this day, Children’s Day is still celebrated on November 14 in India and thus continues to be associated with the Nehru legacy.
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Arguments in favor of changing children’s day
There is a strong case for changing Children’s Day in India from November 14 to December 26, because there have been strong demands to reserve the latter day for the Sahibzades, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh , commemorated as martyrdom. Here are the main arguments for change:
- Tribute to Martyrdom: December 26 is the day Sahibzada Jorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh accepted to sacrifice their lives in 1705. Supporters say this day is a great reminder of courage courage and sacrifice and therefore it will be a great day to honor them and inspire them with stories of courage.
- Cultural significance: The change focuses on paying tribute to those who have become symbols of patriotism for making great sacrifices in their lives. Celebrating Children’s Day on this day is to instill a sense of patriotism and belonging among India’s youth by inspiring them to emulate the values of justice and perseverance embodied by the Sahibzades.
- Separation from Nehru’s Legacy: The November 14 festival originated from Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday. Supporters argue that his celebrations are often subordinated to other historical figures and that November 14 should instead be celebrated as “Chacha Diwas” to honor Nehru with Children’s Day bearing another face of Indian heritage.
These arguments express their desire to pay respect to the different stories of India’s past and facilitate the values that future generations must embrace. Also read | National Education Day 2024: Theme, Meaning and Activities
