For Every Child, Every Right
All of us dream and cherish the dreams we had as children. While growing and in a hurry to progress, many of us lost our happiness. While parents love and care for their children, misguided concern and eagerness to ensure a better future can cause the purpose to be lost. There are ~220 crore children worldwide. India’s population is 30% children; ~72% of them live in rural areas. For many children in the world, it is a fight for survival with unequal opportunities and a lack of support. An estimated 8% of children globally are engaged in child labour. The good news is that, in recent years, a decline has been observed. Economic hardship, conflict, and lack of access to education continue to drive child labour in many regions. As Paulo Coelho said, a child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to be always curious, and to fight tirelessly for something. While celebrating Children’s Day, let us recall and try to imbibe the spirit of being a child. A blissfully smiling child can be very inspiring.
There Can Be No Keener Revelation of a Society’s Soul
Than the Way In Which It Treats Its Children.Â
Nelson Mandela
All of us dream and cherish the dreams we had as children. Childhood, for most of us, has a cherished place in our memories. While growing and in a hurry to progress, many of us lost our happiness. While parents love and care for their children, misguided concern and eagerness to ensure a better future can cause the purpose to be lost. A blissfully smiling child can be very inspiring. In a fast-paced world, children’s mental health needs more attention than ever. Encouraging open conversations and emotional support is key.          Â
UNICEF defines a child as anyone under 18 years old, and there are ~220 crores of them worldwide. It has remained relatively stable in recent years, though regional differences are significant. Africa has the highest proportion of children, with many countries reporting over 40% of their population. Asia also has large child populations, especially in countries like India and China. Europe and North America have smaller proportions of children. India has ~44.4 crore children (30% of the population), of whom ~72% live in rural areas. Uttar Pradesh has the highest child population in India, followed by Bihar and Maharashtra.
For many children in the world, it is a fight for survival with unequal opportunities and a lack of support. An estimated ~13.8 crore children (7.8 crore boys and 5.9 crore girls) worldwide are engaged in child labour, representing about 8% of all children globally. 5.4 crore children are involved in dangerous jobs that threaten their health and safety. Child labour is prevalent in agriculture (61%), services (27%, including domestic work and street vending), and Industry (13%, mainly in construction and mining). Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence, with nearly 1 in 5 children engaged in child labour. South Asia, including India, also has a significant share, though progress has been made in reducing numbers. India has ~ one crore of them. The good news is that in recent years, a decline in the numbers has been seen. However, economic hardship, conflict, and lack of access to education continue to drive child labour in many regions. A strong link exists between child labour and a lack of schooling. Many children engaged in labour are excluded from education, especially younger ones who should be in school under compulsory education laws.
Celebrating the Joy of Childhood
Children’s Day in India commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Fondly known as “Chacha Nehru,” he believed that children are the real strength of a nation and the foundation of society. Nehru’s writings, including “Letters from a Father to His Daughter“, reflect his desire to educate and emotionally connect with young minds. Nehru personally supported the creation of Bal Bhavan, a national centre for creative learning and recreation for children.
The day of observation of this important theme varies across countries. While the UN observation is on 20 November, it is on 1 June in China, 5 May in Japan and the First Sunday of June in the US. India shifted the observation to 14 November, after the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to celebrate his birthday.
As Paulo Coelho said, a child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to be always curious, and to fight tirelessly for something. While celebrating Children’s Day, let us recall and try to imbibe the spirit of being a child.
The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Toons: Advika
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
The ToonLog posted on the occasion of “International Children’s Day” can be accessed at:
