The students of Amrita Vidyalayam, Juinagar were involved in a host of activities to commemorate the 70th Independence Day of our country. On August 15, 2016, the ceremony started at 8 a.m. in the school quadrangle where the tricolour was unfurled by our esteemed Chief Guest Sri Adhikrao Pol, Sr. Inspector of Police, Nerul. The National Anthem was sung by all in unison followed by the Flag Song, Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara by the school choir.
The following activities were carried out by the school in preparation for and as part of our Independence Day celebrations.
- A fancy dress competition was held for pre-primary and primary students on August 12, 2016 based on the theme, “Patriotism”. Students dressed up in vibrant costumes and enacted the roles of Mahatma Gandhi, Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad, Shivaji Maharaj, Rani Laxmibai, Savitribai Phule and others. They brought alive the spirit of patriotism in all of us by portraying these dynamic leaders of India, proving that they are indeed “leaders of tomorrow”.
- National Flag wrist bands were made by the pre-primary students on August 12, 2016.
- A tree-planting drive by the senior secondary students was conducted at the school campus. Keeping in mind the growth of the trees, mango trees, jamun trees and guava trees were planted around the campus, whereas smaller plants such as mango-ginger, ajwain, tej patta and haldi were planted in the specially made kitchen garden. This will ensure that the trees get sufficient space to spread out and grow in a healthy way.
- Through their speeches on August 15, 2016, students thanked the countless, nameless figures who fought for India’s independence and paid homage to the countless jawans and National Security guards who have laid down their lives to guard our borders in extreme conditions so that we can enjoy the joys of “Free India”. Emphasis was also laid on the sensitive issue of “saving the girl child”.
- The school choir expressed the joy of freedom through their rendition of patriotic songs on August 15, 2016 including “Kar chale hum fida jan o tan saathiyo,” which invoked the pride of belonging to this motherland in everyone’s hearts.
- The school choir participated in a National Song competition conducted by Bharat Vikas Parishad on August 22, 2016, and rendered the song, “Bharat Maa ka maan badhane”.
- A street play by the senior secondary students on “Save the Environment” was performed in 4 prominent areas of Juinagar on August 15, 2016. The message “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” grabbed the attention of the residents of Juinagar, some of whom invited the students to present this play in their housing societies.
- In its continuous endeavour towards promoting the “Joy of Giving” and inculcating the habit of sharing among the students, the school distributed Dal Khichdi and sweets among 50 families in the Juinagar slum area on August 15, 2016.
- The portraits of our martyrs and national leaders sketched by our students were displayed on the school notice board, paying their tribute to the heroes whose sacrifices have made this land “free”. Students coined creative slogans on independence, and every classroom was adorned with the tricolour and these slogans.
- Greeting cards were made by students for jawans posted at border stations to express their heartfelt gratitude towards their selfless service in guarding the nation and keeping us safe.
- There was a mass National Anthem by all the students of the school on August 23, 2016 at 11 a.m.
The activities that led up to the celebrations of the Independence Day created a lot of excitement and joy, and respect for the unity in diversity which is a hallmark of India and cannot be found elsewhere.
