A SALUTE TO OUR MOTHERLAND

-Ms. Casiola Fernandes

15^th August and the school bell chimed 40 minutes earlier than the normal routine of class signaling an auspicious and a significant day.  It was no ordinary day since it was the 66^th Independence Day of our mother land.  The excitement was palpable – participants with attractive and colorful costumes queuing the stage, the sprightly gait of students with the Indian tricolor pinned proudly to their shirts, and the welcoming dainty backdrop with a patriotic theme WE ALL ARE ONE. The atmosphere was redolent of the patriotic fervor and celebrations surrounding the first night of Indian independence. 

The chief guests, Mr. and Mrs. Shah, the proud parents of our SSC topper Master Dharmin Shah, together with Dharmin, trooped in to the school hall to the drums and the guard honor of our NCC troup.  The chief guests were accompanied by the other dignitaries, our Rector Rev. Fr. Godfrey D’sa, our Principal Rev Fr. Bernard Fernandes, Rev. Fr. Vivian D’Souza, our headmistress Ms. Nicole Britto, Mrs.  Sangita and Mrs. Matilda.  Master Dharmin Shah and his parents were given the honor of hoisting the Indian flag and after a respectful salute by the audience, the national anthem was sung.

Our guests were then felicitated with a bouquet of flowers. In the lively and well executed program that followed, a group of students from Std. VI to X began the proceedings with the rendition of the patriotic songs reminding us of our love and gratitude for our mother land.  Students from Std. VII came in next to recite a poem reminiscent of love and devotion for the nation.  Fr. Godfrey in his passionate speech kept the audience spellbound, yet gave us reason to introspect.  Our country can only progress, he said, if individuals are serious about non-corruption, accountability and a desire for hard work.

On a day of patriotic intensity, Dharmin Shah our topper, while addressing the audience was all praise for his alma mater.  His speech was a paean to his school, the management, staff and his fellow students.  Thereafter our enthusiastic dancers took the stage and rocked to the tunes of some melodious tunes from all over India.  There was a flavor from the North, South, East and West – a heady mix of the diverse cultures indeed!  Our principal Fr. Bernard proposed the vote of thanks and lauded the diligent efforts of the coordinating teachers, Mrs. Manjiri , Mrs. Anjula and the school leaders, and the amazing artwork team of Mrs. Ursella and the Fine Arts students. The catholic staff and students later joined the Eucharistic celebration honouring our Blessed Mother assumed into heaven.

Our primary students celebrated the Independence Day with gusto a day prior to it.  There was no doubt that their chests swelled with pride recounting the lives of the brave Indian heroes in their laconic way. Wearing a beaming smile and with deep respect, students of Std. II recited a poem titled ‘My country and Me’.  The audience was exhilarated when the students of Std. III danced ‘Nunna Munna Rahi Hu’ and urged us to contribute our bit in serving the nation.  Together let us salute our motherland!