Children's Day speech by a teacher

Good morning, my dear children. Today, 14 November, is your day. We celebrate it on the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, our first Prime Minister, who loved children dearly. You are the reason this school exists. Your questions keep us young and your laughter fills these corridors. Be curious, be kind and be brave enough to make mistakes. We teachers are proud of each one of you. Enjoy your day. Happy Children's Day!

Good morning, my dear children. On most days you sit and listen to us. Today the day belongs to you, and I am happy to stand here only to tell you how special you are.

In India, Children's Day is celebrated on 14 November, the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of our country. Children fondly called him Chacha Nehru. He believed that the children of today will make the India of tomorrow, and that the way we bring them up decides the future of the nation.

Let me tell you what we teachers see when we look at you. We do not see roll numbers and marks. We see a girl who shares her tiffin without being asked. We see a boy who fell in the race, got up and still finished it. We see a quiet child at the back who draws beautifully. Every one of you carries something that no examination can measure.

I have three small wishes for you today. First, stay curious. Ask "why" and "how", even when the answer is not in the textbook. Second, be kind. The world has plenty of clever people; it needs more kind ones. Third, do not be afraid of mistakes. A notebook with no crossings usually belongs to someone who did not try anything new.

And a request: childhood is short. Play in the sun, read stories, climb, sing and get your uniform dirty sometimes. The phone can wait. These years will not come again.

On behalf of all your teachers, I wish you a very happy Children's Day. Now, let the fun begin!