Bhavans in Patriotic Fervour
On 15th August 2018, as warm morning rays gleamed through the building’s canopy, Indian Educational School woke up to soothing patriotic music streaming in from the player. Staff and students trickled in, many in pristine white attire while a few sashayed along in tricoloured clothes. The Physical Education Department lent finishing touches to decorations. Neatly decked-up podium stood out among festoons and streamers that set up the perfect ambience for 72nd Indian Independence Day celebrations. .
The crowd soon swelled into large numbers and they huddled up in front of the podium. Mr. E. P Prasad, teacher of English, offered an exciting welcome to the gathering. The flag-hoisting ceremony kicked off with the honourable Principal, Mr. T. Premkumar, unfurling the tricolor Indian flag in the presence of the Vice Principals Mr. Suresh V Balakrishnan, Mrs. Lalitha Premkumar and Mrs. Meenakshi Nayyar, Principal of Jack and Jill, Mangaf Mrs. Rathi Ravindran. After saluting the flag, he read out the President of India. Mr. Ramnath Kovind’s message to the nation and waxed eloquent on the bright prospects of India. The Principal also rendered an evocative speech about the Independence Day – the day when India broke away from the shackles of British rule. The Principal further extolled the Indian government’s decision to elevate the status and position of women in the army as part of Women Empowerment. On a sober note, the Principal and staff offered prayers to the flood survivors in Kerala where a prolonged spell of unprecedented rainfall has put people to untold hardships.
The celebrations gained momentum with a riveting group song by the teachers. A palpable sense of patriotic fervour prevailed in the hall. Mr. Binoy Sankarathil, HoD of Social Science Department, passionately spoke about the rich and unique Indian culture and eloquently about the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom that eventually helped India to shrug off the colonial carpet. The Social Science faculty also put up a fantabulous skit which was a dichotomy of sorts – the oppressive rule of British India that stifled voices and the unseemly picture of narcissistic modern youth. The auditorium resonated with applause. No doubt the celebration instilled the patriotic fervor in each and every soul.
Chairman of Bhavans, Middle East, Mr. N.K Ramachandran Menon, graciously arranged sweets for all. The staff, students and parents stepped out with sweet smiles on their faces and patriotic fervour in their hearts.