Partha Roy, Kolkata: United Nations is observing first-ever International Day of Play, on 11 June 2024, It marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritize playing so that all people, especially children, can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential.

Play of is a universal language spoken by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. Playing fosters a sense of community and national pride. Playing of all types of games and sports fosters resilience, creativity, and innovation in individuals. For children in particular, play helps build relationships and improves control, overcome trauma, and problem-solving. It helps children develop the cognitive, physical, creative, social, and emotional skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Play is promoting tolerance, resilience, and facilitating social inclusion, conflict prevention, and peace building. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has enshrined play as a fundamental right of every child under Article 31.