Introduction
In the wise words of Jawaharlal
Nehru, "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow." As we
celebrate Children's Day, it is essential to reflect on its true essence – an
opportunity to raise awareness about the rights, needs, and welfare of our
young ones. While this day has traditionally been a time to spotlight the areas
where children lack, such as healthcare and education, it has also become
crucial to address the challenges our children face in the modern, competitive
world.
In the midst of a highly
competitive environment, children are inadvertently losing their childhood. The
familiar sights of children playing carefree in playgrounds have become a
rarity, overshadowed by the looming pressure of academic responsibilities. The
quest for perfection is pushing our children into the realms of anxiety,
replacing the once vibrant sounds of children's chaos with the silence of
stress.
Moreover, the invasion of smartphones and social
media has created a digital divide between our children and the innocence of
their youth. The allure of being a "king of social media" has
replaced the joy of making memories with friends. The real celebration of
Children's Day demands that we guide our youth back to the authentic
experiences of childhood, free from the confines of virtual interactions.
Hidden hunger, another challenge
our future faces, is weakening the physical and mental health of children. The
lack of nutritious food not only affects their growth but also hampers their
cognitive development. The percentage of malnourished children was found to be
7.7 per cent which comes to around 43 lakh, the ministry said. There are over
14 lakh severely malnourished children in the country as per the government's
POSHAN Tracker. To truly celebrate Children's Day, we must commit to ensuring
that every child has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
The loneliness experienced by
children in today's fast-paced world is yet another hurdle. Amid busy
schedules, parents often find it challenging to connect with their children,
leaving them isolated in their curiosity. A national survey conducted in India
found that six out of ten youngsters between the ages of 9 and 17 spend over
three hours daily on social media or gaming sites . The real celebration of
Children's Day involves fostering genuine interactions between parents,
teachers, and children – creating an environment where curiosity is nurtured,
and ideas are shared freely.
To restore the true celebration of
Children's Day and ensure our children thrive in a nurturing environment, we
must implement Proactive solutions:
• Balanced education system
• Digital Wellness Programs
• Nutrition Initiatives:
• Parental Engagement
•Mindfulness Education
• Advocacy for playground
• Teacher Training Programs
Government measure
- POSHAN Tracker
- POSHAN Pakhwada
- Rashtriya Poshan
Maah
- Saksham anganwadi
and poshan 2.0
Conclusion
As we commemorate Children's Day,
let us recognize the urgency to reclaim the lost essence of childhood. It is
our collective responsibility to recreate an environment where children can
play without the burden of expectations, connect without the interference of
screens, and grow without the hindrance of hidden hunger. Only when we give
back the gift of childhood to our children will we truly celebrate Children's
Day in its real sense – a celebration that echoes with the laughter, happiness,
and innocence of our youth.
References
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