Mindful Celebrations and Gifts: Diwali and Children’s Day

This year 2020, Diwali and Children’s day fall on the same day.

Till 1964, India celebrated Children’s day on November 20th which is Universal Children’s Day. However after the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru it was decided that his birthday, November 14th, would be celebrated as Children’s Day in India. This was in tribute to a man who liked being in the company of children. When children talked to Chachaji as he was fondly called, he would listen with interest and concentration. It was a child who pinned a rose to his jacket which then became his trademark.

In the song, dance, ice-cream and popcorn of children’s day celebrations, we possibly forget the real reason for the celebration of Children’s Day. I must confess that I was ignorant that the day is celebrated to increase awareness of the rights, care and education of children. Pandit Nehru advocated holistic education for children and believed that educating children is a step towards the progress of the nation.

The question that begs an answer is whether the rights of children are taken seriously? We still have child labour, rag pickers, children out of school or even poor quality education.

I started by saying that Children’s Day and Diwali fall on the same day this year.

• Who makes up the workforce for the manufacture of crackers? Yes, men, women and don’t forget the children. And they have the Right to free and compulsory elementary education
• Are the working conditions safe and hygienic in these hell holes? No, not by any standards. And they have the Right to be protected from hazardous employment.
• Are they being paid equitably? No! And they work long hours on par with adults. And they have the Right to be protected from economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength.
• Are they being exploited? Yes! And they have the Right to freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against exploitation.

Let all of us be conscious and do our bit to make a difference. The difference could be in the way we celebrate both festivals. Mindful Celebrations!

And since, celebrations and gifts can’t be far apart, what can we gift our children not just for the day and season but for all time?

During Parenting workshops, I have often asked parents to share how they remember or think of their parents. Not a single person talks about a bank balance, property or jewellery left or willed to them. They speak of events and memories, happy or sad, each of which will probably tell a story of love, resilience, time spent, conversations, joy, laughter, tears, dreams and so much more. And then, I ask them to think of how they would like their children to describe them to their children, 20 to 30 years from now?

This brings their parenting into focus and the importance of building strong memories. Don Bosco said that “The first happiness of a child is to know that he is loved.” I think that every new-born baby knows this by the way the child is held — love passing from one body to the other body. So, do that today, give your child/children a loving hug. It will say all you want to say, no words required. (Tweens and adolescents may not be comfortable with a hug as they are conscious of changes in their body. Respect that.)

Now, let’s see …….. gifts!

A few days ago, I received an interesting forward from a friend, which said, ‘Most difficult cleaning, let’s attempt this Diwali.’ It was a picture of the mind that needs cobwebs removed. And what came to mind was Rabindranath Tagore’s famous poem:

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high

………………………………..

…………………………………

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

(Please revisit the whole poem)

The poem is so relevant even today, especially today: Let your children see you, hear you, reaching out to others in empathy, without bigotry and stereotypes.

Respect — that’s another gift to give our children: This is also a good time for them to learn by your example to respect our environment (less noise, less smoke, less paper please), respect for the old and infirm, respect for pets and strays.

And above all the greatest gift you can give yourself and your children is to bring out the child in you. Dance, sing, cook, play,……. be happy! And don’t forget to make at least one child’s day by reaching out in a special way.

Let me conclude with a Cinquain with a twist. A cinquain is a 5 line poem invented by Adelaide Crapsey, an American poet who took her inspiration from The Japanese Haiku and Tanka.

Diya

Children

Mellow, Orange

Active, Naughty

Glowing, Dancing, Twinkling

Smiling, Sparkling, Loving

BE THE LIGHT THAT HELPS OTHERS SEE

Joyous

Happy

Warm Wishes for a Blessed, safe Diwali. And may everyday be a ‘Children’s Day ‘