The Surprisingly Political Origins of Children's Day in India
Every year, on November 14, the world celebrates Children's Day in India. This day, however, has a unique and somewhat surprising history that is rooted in political maneuvering and personal ambition.
Why November 14 Became Children's Day
Contrary to popular belief, Children's Day in India was not established posthumously as a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, the Father of the Nation. On the contrary, it was Nehru himself who, while in power, made the decision to transform his birthday into a national event, known as Children's Day or Baal Din. This transformative act is one of the more intriguing moments in Indian political history.
The Birth of Baal Din
The year was 1955, and India had just achieved independence. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, was eager to celebrate his birthday in a grand manner. His decision was not merely a tribute to himself; it was a calculated move to establish a cult around his own image, which would continue to benefit his vision for the nation.
One of the key factors in Nehru's strategy was the visit of Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin to India. To showcase his leadership and appeal to the younger generation, Nehru decided to use the occasion of his birthday to symbolize a connection to the children of independent India. This was an innovative political move, ensuring that his image and legacy would live on through the younger generation of his country.
Preparations and Rehearsals
The implementation of Baal Din involved significant preparations. Over 3,000 children from various schools were rounded up to be trained in welcoming the Soviet dignitaries. These children underwent a rigorous three-week drill in open fields around the Qutub Minar. They were taught to sing, clap, dance, and throw flowers. This elaborate show was designed to make a lasting impression on the visiting leaders and portray Nehru as a beloved leader who cared deeply about his nation's children.
Public Criticism and Controversy
The decision to transform Nehru's birthday into Children's Day was not without criticism. An editorial by K.R. Malkani, a prominent journalist and politician, pointed out the extent of preparation and the potential violation of children's rights. Malkani criticized the government's use of children for political purposes, noting that educational activities were almost put on hold to focus on the celebration. He likened this to the Nazi youth organization and its devotion to Hitler.
Inspiration from Other Leaders
Nehru's decision to make Baal Din a national event was inspired by the way other leaders had celebrated their birthdays. The celebration of Stalin, Mao, and even Hitler's birthdays for their own political gains had caught Nehru's attention. He admired their ability to project an image of love for children and sought to emulate this strategy in India. This political appropriation of national celebrations is a testament to the lengths Nehru was willing to go to establish a cult around his own image.
The Cult of "Chacha Nehru"
To maintain Baal Din as a national event, the Nehru government launched several postage stamps depicting the occasion. From 1957 to 1963, seven different postage stamps were issued on November 14 to commemorate Baal Din. Schools across India began to celebrate the day with cultural events and distribution of sweets, further embedding the celebration into the cultural fabric of the nation.
With time, the original reason for the celebration became more about honoring Nehru rather than the actual children for whom it was intended. As Sara Gruen famously said, 'The fact that you kept it does not matter when the secret itself becomes irrelevant.' This transformation from a political strategy to a national celebration is a fascinating aspect of India's rich history.