Today, I was at the bus stop waiting for the bus and I heard two kids saying ‘tomorrow is a holiday’; the discussion was in a typical Hyderabadi style. The kid said, “Arrey kal holiday hai kateh”, the other kid said, “Hau aaj school mein bole ki kal Gandhi Jayanthi hai”.
Then the kid asked, “Arrey ye Gandhi Jayanthi ko kyun chutti dete?” The other kid said, “Nai malum rey, patha nai”. At this point I wanted to interrupt their conversation and tell them about Mahatma Gandhi, but couldn’t, because just then my bus came and I had to catch the bus.
In the bus, I couldn’t stop myself thinking about the two kids. It is a very sad reality that many of our kids are not aware of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who brought Independence to India.
The plight of our kids
If you pick any kid, I repeat, ‘any kid’, and ask him or her about, who are Chota Bheem’s friends, they will answer it without a pause – Chutki, Jaggu and Raju. Even a 3 or 4-year old kid will give the answer to this question. But, if you ask them who Mahatma Gandhi is, they will have a big question mark on their face.
I am not blaming that every kid is not aware of Mahatma Gandhi, but a majority of kids are still not aware. We need to raise awareness about Mahatma Gandhi and try to inculcate his values and principles among kids/youngsters.
Lessons for kids
Dear kids, it’s the time you should know some facts about Mahatma Gandhi and know why October 2nd is observed as a national holiday in India.
Coming to the point, here are a few lessons for kids from the ‘Father of the Nation’, Mahatma Gandhi.
Respect your elders
Keep your surroundings clean and tidy
Plant more and more trees
Never lie, always tell the truth
Be kind to animals
Save your pocket money
Believe in what you do
Never do things that can get you in to trouble
Don’t waste food and water. Quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed”
Abide by the rules of your school and your home
On second thoughts, I think parents should also teach their kids the significance and importance of Gandhi Jayanthi and not make this important day just like another holiday. So, the next time your kid asks you who the man on the 500 rupee note is, you need to respond to the question, take some time out and explain your kid about Mahatma Gandhi.
Happy Gandhi Jayanthi – Enjoy the holiday in true spirit!
What is Mahatma Gandhi’s full name?
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
When was Gandhiji born?
Gandhiji was born on 2nd October 1869.
What is the meaning of Mahatma?
It means one who has a great soul.
Who gave the title of Mahatma to Gandhiji?
Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, in the year 1915.
What is 2nd October celebrated as?
International World Non-Violence Day.