2nd October is known as Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. He is also known as the Father of the Nation for the vital part he played in India's struggle for independence.
The day holds a special significance for children as they are not only taught about Gandhi ji and the values that he espoused, but they also actively participate in various activities and events organized in schools and communities. These activities aim to instill in children the principles of truth, non-violence, tolerance, and compassion that Gandhi ji stood for. Through storytelling sessions, skits, and interactive workshops, children learn about his life, teachings, and the efforts he made to bring about social and political change.
Societies and colonies organize special events and programs, encouraging children to engage in cleanliness drives, tree plantations, and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable living and environmental conservation, aligning with Gandhi ji's strong belief in preserving nature.
Let's take a look at some activities you can do with kids on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
1. Essay writing: There is a plethora of stories about Gandhi Ji's life and all the social work that he indulged in. Children enjoy writing about how they perceive him to be and what inspires them from his life.
2. Making a Charkha: Gandhi Ji's impact was revolutionary as he inspired Indian weavers to engage in the art of spinning their own fabric, famously known as Khaadi. The charkha, or spinning wheel, symbolized the people's fight for political freedom from British rule. The charkha can be made with paper or even things like ice cream sticks.
3. Puppets of the Three Monkeys: One of the most important tenets followed by Gandhi Ji was Ahimsa or non-violence. A powerful representation of this is through the three monkeys- where one is covering his eyes (see no evil), the other is covering his mouth (speak no evil) and the third is covering his ears (hear no evil). Children enjoy making puppets of these monkeys.
4. Storytelling: There is nothing children enjoy more than storytelling and the stories around Gandhi Ji's life are plentiful. From his Salt march to his movement for non-violence, there are several interesting stories that can be narrated.
The influence of Gandhi Ji's life and teachings is so profound that it led the United Nations to proclaim 2nd October as the International Day of Non-violence in 2007. Consequently, it becomes imperative for children to be educated about Gandhi Ji and the principles he upheld.