Kolkata’s skyline took on a symbolic shade of blue as iconic structures, including the Bidhan Sabha Bhavan (Assembly Building), the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kolkata Press Club and the UNICEF office, were illuminated to commemorate World Children’s Day on November 20.
The gesture, part of UNICEF’s global tradition of lighting up monuments in blue, aims to spark conversations around dignity, equality, safety and opportunity for every child.
In a statement, UNICEF said this year’s themes — “My Day. My Rights” and “The Child in Me. My Promise to Children” — focus on what children want for themselves and the commitments adults must make to nurture their aspirations.
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"The illumination is going to create curiosity and build awareness among people towards the importance of creating a world of peace, opportunity, equality, safety, dignity and inclusiveness for every child," Dr Monjur Hossain, Chief of UNICEF in West Bengal, said.
“It is likely to send out a message requesting to uphold the rights of the children to their full potential," he continued.
UNICEF, civil society map out roadmap for the future
Marking the occasion, UNICEF West Bengal also convened a meeting with several civil society organisations in Kolkata. The discussion centred on collective action to strengthen child rights, improve learning outcomes and enhance knowledge-sharing among groups working in this space.
According to UNICEF, the forum aims to amplify best practices, deepen collaboration between organisations and ensure that child-focused initiatives reach the communities that need them most.
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World Children’s Day, celebrated globally on November 20, commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Across India, UNICEF has encouraged adults to revisit their childhood stories as a way to build empathy and reaffirm their promise to safeguard the next generation’s future.
As Kolkata’s blue-lit landmarks drew attention from citizens and passersby, the message was clear: children’s rights are not symbolic, but essential, and upholding them demands shared commitment from families, communities and governments alike.
