Children Speak: A Children’s Day Special
by Keya Gupta and Shree Sauparnika V
Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children’s Day to honour the joy and imagination that children bring into the world. Did you know that Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas used to be celebrated on 20th November until 1964? After the death of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, his birth anniversary was chosen as the date for Children’s Day, due to his fondness for children.
This Children’s Day, we turned to the greatest storytellers of all — children themselves. (Please scroll past the banner to read more)
We asked them to imagine, dream and share their thoughts about heroes, worlds and stories that inspire them. Here’s a compilation of a few of our favourite responses:
1.If you could switch places with a character from Indian mythology or history, who would it be?
I think I would like to be Arjuna, the true disciple of Shri Krishna. His moment of doubt and awakening in the Bhagavad Gita teaches the power of courage, clarity, and duty. I connect with how he learns to listen within, understand life’s purpose, and act with both strength and compassion.
– Ishaan, 14, Delhi
Savitribai Phule – Saanvi, 10, Pune;
Swami Vivekanada – Hrishikesh, 12, Mumbai;
Ahalya – Cara, 12, Dubai;
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj – Manassvi, 7, Mumbai;
Saraswati – Riddhi, 9, Ernakulum;
2. If you could have an animal as your best friend, which animal would you pick and why?
Elephant, because elephants are bold, strong, brave, and they never forget.
– Hrishikesh, 12, Mumbai
Unicorn, because I would like to ride it and its horn has healing powers.
– Manassvi, 7, Mumbai
I would definitely choose a Galapagos Tortoise because then, my companion will last my lifetime (the average age of Galapagos is 177 years). I also would not need to run around much when I am old since the tortoise is slow. And maybe I can also learn how to enjoy a slow peaceful life from my companion.
– Reyansh, 9, Jalandhar
Scooby Doo, because he’s a funny talking dog and loves to eat.
– Cara, 12, Dubai
3. If you were to create a fantasy world, what 3 things would there be in it?
Angry apples, houses built on clouds, and ants the size of houses and lots more.
– Nikhil, 8, Bengaluru
Inter-terrestrial aeroplanes, mobile phones to talk to aliens, and a magical coat to become invisible.
-Yash, 10, Bengaluru
Animals speaking human language., mountains and forest making imaginary straight roads for smooth traffic, humans flying.
-Tarrinni, 11, Gurgaon
4. If your life was a book, what would you title it?
‘Nikhil the Boss’
– Nikhil, 8, Bengaluru
‘The Girl Who Kept Going’
– Cara, 12, Dubai
‘My Young Age Atrocities’
– Ananya, 11, Trichy
5. If you could make a comic about anything, what would it be?
The comic would be titled ‘Keepers of the Green Flame’. In a world where nature is fading, a group of children and magical creatures rise to protect the Green Flame, the spirit of the planet. It glows only when kindness and care for nature thrive. The story shows that every act of love towards Earth keeps its flame alive.
– Ishaan, 14, Delhi
A fantasy world full of surprises.
– Saanvi, 10, Pune
I would make a comic about the polar express coming to life and saving Christmas from corporate companies.
– Hrishikesh, 12, Mumbai
6. How would you best like to celebrate Children’s Day?
I will celebrate with orphans and homeless children so that they can feel special on the day.
– Saanvi, 10, Pune
Have a ‘Yes Day’ where adults have to say yes to everything children ask for.
– Nikhil, 8, Bengaluru
I would want everyone to think and approach people like a child and give gifts to all children. It should be celebrated with family.
– Izabel, 12, Dubai
The whole day I would have fun, eating and lazing around.
–Riddhi, 9, Ernakulam
Thank you to all the children who shared their thoughts and dreams with us. Your ideas remind us that every story begins with imagination – and that the future of storytelling is bright in your hands. Happy Children’s Day!