November 14th is celebrated as Children’s Day in several countries, with India being one of the most notable. Here are the reasons why:

1. Birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru in India: In India, November 14th is celebrated as Children’s Day to honor the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Nehru was fondly known as “Chacha Nehru” (Uncle Nehru) and was known for his deep love and affection for children. He believed that children were the future of the nation and advocated for their care, education, and well-being. After his death in 1964, his birthday was declared as Children’s Day to honor his vision for children.
2. Promoting Child Welfare and Rights: Celebrating Children’s Day on this date underscores the importance of child welfare and encourages people to acknowledge and advocate for children’s rights. In India, it serves as an occasion to promote the need for providing children with good education, healthcare, and a nurturing environment.
3. Celebration of Childhood: Children’s Day highlights the value of childhood and the need to cherish and protect it. Schools and communities in India organize fun activities, cultural performances, and events to let children feel special and enjoy their day.
4. Raising Awareness: November 14th also serves as a day for raising awareness about the issues children face, such as access to quality education, child labor, and health and safety concerns. It’s a time to reflect on the challenges children encounter and work towards building a better environment for them.

While Children’s Day is celebrated on various dates worldwide, November 14th holds special significance in India because of Nehru’s legacy and his strong advocacy for child welfare.

1. United States Of America

The United States boasts one of the largest Indian populations, with millions of Indian Americans contributing to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. According to the latest statistics, the Indian diaspora in the United States numbers over 4 million, making it a prominent and influential community. Indian communities have established themselves in several major cities across the United States. These cities, including Silicon Valley, New York, Chicago, and Houston, have become hubs for Indian professionals, students, and families. They host a plethora of cultural events and festivals that reflect the vibrancy of Indian traditions in America.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 1280000

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 3180000

• Population of Overseas Indians – 4460000

2. The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom shares deep historical ties with India, dating back to colonial times. Today, the Indian diaspora in the UK is a vibrant and integral part of British society. The presence of numerous Indian communities, especially in cities like London, has led to a cross-pollination of cultures and traditions.

Indian immigrants have made significant contributions to the UK’s multicultural society. From politics and business to the arts and academia, individuals of Indian origin have excelled in various fields. The UK is home to a wide range of Indian restaurants, cultural events, and religious sites, highlighting the enduring connection between the two nations.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 351000

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 1413000

• Population of Overseas Indians – 1764000

3. The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed an exponential increase in its Indian expatriate population over the years. Today, Indians constitute a significant part of the country’s total population, with their numbers reaching into the millions. This rapid growth is a testament to the economic opportunities and global exposure the UAE offers to Indian professionals and workers. The Indian expatriate community in the UAE has played a pivotal role in the nation’s economic development. From contributing to the growth of sectors like construction and healthcare to establishing successful businesses, Indians have left an indelible mark on the UAE’s landscape.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 3419875

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 5269

• Population of Overseas Indians – 3425144

4. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts a significant Indian workforce, primarily in sectors like construction, healthcare, and information technology. The Indian community in Saudi Arabia consists of skilled professionals who have made substantial contributions to the nation’s infrastructure and economic development. Indian cultural centers and community groups have flourished in Saudi Arabia, providing a platform for Indian expatriates to celebrate their cultural heritage. Events like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated with enthusiasm and offer a taste of home to the Indian community residing in the Kingdom.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 2592166

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 2781

• Population of Overseas Indians – 2594947

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a diverse range of Indian ethnic groups, each contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry of cultures. Malaysians of Indian origin primarily consist of Tamils, Malayalees, Punjabis, and Bengalis, among others. This vibrant mix of ethnicities brings a myriad of traditions, languages, and culinary delights to Malaysia. The Indian community in Malaysia plays an integral role in the nation’s development. From trade and commerce to education and politics, Malaysians of Indian descent have been active contributors to the country’s progress. Their cultural influence is evident in religious celebrations, festivals, and the enchanting art of Bharatanatyam, which is widely appreciated.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 227950

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 2760000

• Population of Overseas Indians – 2987950

6. Canada

Canada has been a destination of choice for Indian immigrants seeking a better quality of life and new opportunities. With a significant presence of Indian Canadians across the country, the Indian diaspora has shaped the multicultural fabric of Canada, contributing to its reputation as one of the world’s most diverse nations. Indian Canadians have embraced their cultural roots while integrating into Canadian society. The diversity of Indian communities in Canada is evident in the array of cultural festivals, religious celebrations, and culinary traditions that enrich the country’s multicultural landscape.

• Population of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 178410

• Population of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 1510645

• Population of Overseas Indians – 1689055

A new genus and species of giant madtsoiid snake that lived in what is now India around 47 million years ago (early Middle Eocene epoch) has been identified from a partial vertebral column unearthed in the Indian state of Gujarat. Scientifically named Vasuki indicus, the new species thrived during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at?28 degrees Celsius. The ancient snake was part of Madtsoiidae, an extinct group of primarily Gondwanan land snakes with a temporal range spanning about 100 million years from the Late Cretaceous epoch to the Late Pleistocene.

“The Madtsoiidae family existed for around 100 million years from the Late Cretaceous to the Late Pleistocene and lived in a broad geographical range including Africa, Europe, and India,” said Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee paleontologists Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai. “Vasuki indicus represents a lineage of large madtsoiids that originated in the Indian subcontinent and spread via southern Europe to Africa during the Eocene, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago.”

A series of 27 mostly well-preserved vertebrae from a fully-grown Vasuki indicus was recovered from the Panandhro Lignite Mine, which is part of the Naredi Formation in the Gujarat state, western India. The vertebrae measure between 3.75 and 6.3 cm (1.5-2.5 inches) in length and 6.24 and 11.14 cm (2.5-4.4 inches) in width, suggesting a broad, cylindrical body. Vasuki indicus reached an estimated length of between 11 and 15 m (36-49 feet), making this species the largest known madtsoiid snake. “This is comparable in size to the longest known snake to have ever lived, the extinct Titanoboa,” the researchers said. “The large size of Vasuki indicus made it a slow-moving, ambush predator akin to an anaconda.”

1. Holi is a lunar celebration : Holi falls on a full moon day in the month of phalgun, as per the lunar calendar. Phalgun generally occurs around February/March.

2. It is a spring festival : Holi is celebrated at the onset of spring season. The budding of flora is an anticipation to rich harvest for the year.  In celebration of this communities come together to dance, smear coloured powder and throw water balloons at each other.

3. There’s not just one story behind the festival : One of the core stories behind the festival is based on the legend of Hiranyakashyap, Prahlad, and Holika from Hindu mythology. However, in some regions, the focus of the celebrations shift to blessings for good harvest, commemorating ancestors, celebrating victories and more!

4. The use of natural colours was influenced by ayurveda : Traditionally, Holi colours were derived from natural sources like leaves, fruits, roots etc which are key ingredients of ayurveda medicines. The colours are used either in particulate powders or liquid splashes.  All natural, it’s a way to rejuvenate the skin with the plants’ healing and refreshing properties.

5. There are showcases of dance, music and processions : Some cities have elaborate processions lasting up to two weeks!  Traditional folk songs and dances take the centre stage. More popular in urban areas is to have selective Bollywood songs that resonate with the festival. Some cities even organise local rock concerts!