By Dr A F Pinto
Nov 14: Life is a continuous learning experience. In this journey, the childhood phase does play an important role in an individual’s life. Children’s Day is precisely celebrated to make everyone aware of the significance of a happy childhood that our children deserve.
In our country, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14 as a tribute to our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birthday, for his love and care he showed towards children. He was fond of children and became popular as Chacha Nehru among them. His desire was to see them enjoy every moment of their childhood, prosper in life and fulfill their dreams. During his tenure, he strived to make education available to children.
As we remember Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on this day of great significance, let us together turn our attention to the rights, care and education of children in our country.
Emma Goldman had beautifully said, “No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure.” Indeed, there is so much to learn from children. There is a big treasure hidden in every child. As co-partners in their educational process, parents, teachers and elders need to work towards unlocking this treasure and helping our children realize their true potential and reach their deserved place in society. Children are truly capable of mighty things in life, if they are provided with the right opportunities at the right time while they grow up as children. Children are God’s gift to us. They are precious and full of potential to achieve great things. It is aptly said, ‘You reap what you sow’. The knowledge, values and skills imbibed and nurtured among children will definitely make them responsible citizen leaders of tomorrow. Children are the key to success and development. India, being blessed with the largest youth population has all the potential to transform this population into a global workforce. In our country, the need of the hour is to pay attention to enhancing the school education system that caters to over 260 million young students. It is crucial therefore to shape these young minds into powerful, creative, integrated and emotionally healthy future citizens.
Yet another aspect that needs urgent attention is that giving quality time to our children. It is high time for parents to be aware of their priorities in life. A child needs attention and wants to feel loved by parents. Let this quality time not be replaced by mobile phones, TV or computers. Children do want to be loved, valued and cared for. This will help them grow to be empowered and emotionally strong individuals. Children, on your part, you need to be grateful to God for the gift of childhood He has blessed you with. Pray for those who are not fortunate to go to school that they too may get the opportunity to study and live a life of dignity and respect. As you celebrate your childhood, remember that you are unique, special and a wonderful child of GOD. Make the best of this golden period of your life.
Wish you all a very happy and healthy childhood!
Dr A F Pinto is the chairman of Ryan International Group of Institutions.