Teaching Patriotism to Kids on Netaji's Birthday

Celebrating Freedom on Netaji’s Birthday

A country with ‘unity in diversity’ is not the only way in which India is remembered. From being ruled by the British for more than a hundred years to achieving Independence, India’s journey from then till now has truly been nothing but remarkable! We must thank and pray for the freedom fighters who fought tooth and nail to make our country free. Could there be a better day to do this than on Netaji’s birthday on 23rd January? We don’t think so! Join your kids in celebrating this day which marks the 125th birthday of one of the most brave and patriotic freedom fighters of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23rd January, 1897 in Cuttack, India. Apart from being a true nationalist, Netaji was also very studious and educated. He passed the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination and ranked fourth in the country! Then went ahead  to Cambridge to pursue higher education in Fitzwilliam College. He gave one of the most powerful slogans of all times – “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do Mein Tumhe Azadi Dunga!”, which inspired hundreds and thousands of young men and women to join the Armed forces and fight for our nation against the British. 

Throughout his journey in freedom struggle, Bose was imprisoned eleven times in eleven different jails. Nevertheless, this did not stop him to continue fighting for our independence. He built the Azad Hind Fauj, India’s first armed force and gave the shout “Jai Hind” which is used till date by our fearless patriots and citizens! Bose was inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, another great patriot, and believed in the idea of “universal brotherhood”.

Patriotism is at the heart of every Indian. It says so much about a person’s love and respect for their country! Several other nationalists sacrificed their lives to help us live in a country which is free and indominant. 

5 Ways to Teach Patriotism to Kids on Netaji’s Birthday

• To celebrate Netaji’s birthday, you can start by first explaining the meaning of patriotism and what it meant for the freedom fighters of our country. You can also share these facts about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and show them his pictures with his iconic hat. 
• Children love to hear stories, don’t they? Stories are a great way to teach kids about patriotism and much more! Share a few freedom fighters stories with your little one which will teach them important life lessons on Netaji’s birthday. Qualities such as bravery, respect, hope and sheer hard work are essential to excel in life and must be practiced by all of us. Freedom fighter stories of Netaji, Bhagat Singh, Mangal Panday and others will help them understand the notion of these qualities. 

•  Discuss with them about freedom. Kids have their own way of imagining and deriving meaning from various words. How does your child explain the definition of freedom? Is it different from what you think? Share and discuss your thoughts and indulge in a meaningful and fun conversation about freedom! You can also write individual essays on freedom and see who wins!
• Pray for our brave soldiers on Netaji’s birthday. It is because of their untiring work and protection at the borders of our nation that we live a peaceful and secured life from the attacks of other countries. Hence you and your child should pray for the well-being of our soldiers and our country!
• Watch movies that highlight patriotism and struggle of our freedom fighters. This can be a wonderful way of teaching patriotism to kids as they will be watching a visual of what happens at the border or when a soldier fights for the protection of our country and its citizens. Movies like Border, LOC: Kargil,The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Lagaan, Mangal Panday, etc. can be your picks for the next weekend movie marathon!

Patriotic DIY Activities for Kids

Engage with your little tots in fun and patriotic DIY activities this Netaji’s birthday! 

• You can paint the tricolour on your palms and click a memorable family picture and frame it on the wall of your living room! 
• Make the national flag using popsicle sticks and write the names of each family member on their flag! 
• Decorate your house with tricoloured balloons! Sing the national anthem together with your family and make a video to capture the moment for a lifetime! 
• Cook a family brunch menu by preparing food and drinks in the same colour as our national flag! 
• On Netaji’s birthday, draw the iconic cap/hat of Subhas Chandra Bose and wear it all day long! You can also share the steps of making it with your friends. 

“Every citizen of India must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain duties.”

– Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

Each one of us are free to live in this country regardless of our background! However, we must remember and respect all our soldiers and nationalists who fought for our freedom. As parents, we must teach our kids about patriotism and the unforgettable contributions of our true national patriots on Netaji’s birthday, 23rd January. 

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