Way to celebrate - Independence day celebrations (Primary section)

Wow!  It’s another Happy Birthday of our Incredible, Independent India!

-       Ms. Sunita D’Souza

St. Joseph’s High School,

Wadala,

15^th August, 2013

On 14th August, a day prior to our 66th Independence Day, and in a true festive mood, the students from the K.G Section up to Std. V solemnly celebrated this special day which marks the birth of our freedom from the British rule in 1947. A medley of patriotic songs played over the sound system welcomed the students as they assembled in the school hall sparking a patriotic flame that would soon find its way to every nook and corner of the campus.  

The backdrop held the three National Flag colour dupattas in the form of a wheel or chakra in motion symbolising courage, peace and progress. The picture of Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of our Nation - was placed in the centre. The kites –displayed on the side wooden panels - made from the colours of our National Flag, and symbolic of our freedom, silently and strongly advocated the values of Unity, Peace, Respect, Equality, Honesty and Kindness.   

The Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal), accompanied by Ms. Nicole Britto (Vice-Principal) and Mrs. Matilda Fernandes (Headmistress of the Primary Section) were ushered in by the leaders of the Primary section. The comperes (Atharva and Rinjo from Std. IV) warmly welcomed our special guests and everyone present on this auspicious occasion. They began by making everyone aware of the significance of this day and acknowledging the contribution of our freedom fighters who fought bravely to make India free from the British rule. They praised them for giving every Indian this precious gift of freedom. 

The students of Std. I recited confidently a poem titled 'Our India' elaborating the uniqueness of the different states in India with marked diversity. The comperes then aroused everyone's curiosity as they introduced the freedom fighters in the form of riddles! The Std. II students dressed as freedom fighters - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Lokmanya Tilak and Subhash Chandra Bose – enacted their roles to perfection and spoke of their contribution in achieving freedom for our country, courageously and persistently, standing up for the values they believed in.

The students of Std. III dressed in the different traditional costumes of India melodiously sang the national song.of India - 'Vande Mataram'.  Master Chaitanya Harikrishna of Std. III gave a powerful and wonderful rendition of the song, taking the main lead, as he soulfully sang the verses filled with the spirit of patriotism! The K.G.Section students performed a wonderful medley of patriotic songs, singing to their heart's content. They warmed the cockles of the hearts of the audience with their songs 'O My India’, ‘We Shall Overcome’ and ‘Hum Honge Kameyab'.

The power-point presentation two students of Std. IV highlighted the Independence Day celebrations in India every year and the joy this special day brings in the life of every Indian.   

Fr. Bernard then addressed the gathering. He congratulated the students, teachers and parents for their fantastic involvement and active participation in making the Independence Day celebration enlightening, inspiring, joyous, colourful and vibrant. He urged the students to follow in the footsteps of the Father of Our Nation, Gandhiji, who stated - "Be the change you wish to see in the world!"