Independence Day 2015

This year the student patriots at DPGA, Panvel had a weeklong celebration of India’s hard earned independence.

An animated movie explaining the significance of independence and highlighting the efforts of our freedom fighters was played for the juniors in the beginning of the week followed by a discussion by Ms. Pooja Bhatt which helped the students in understanding the value of the gifted freedom. For the seniors, Dr. Medha Moorthy conducted a riveting session on ‘International mindedness and Patriotism’ discussing the importance of being connected to one’s roots.

These sessions were followed with an assembly on Friday where Grade 10 students presented the real India and broke the stereotypes associated with our nation. Students of Grade 7, guided by Mr. Umesh Jadhav, recited a very famous Marathi poem ‘Je Deshasathi Ladle Tey Amar Hutatme Zhale…’. The assembly ended with instrumental of national anthem on violin by students, guided by Ms. Mable Chan Pillai, to which the other students sang in sync. The school also paid homage to Late Mr. Abdul Kalam by displaying a portrait of Mr. Kalam, made by Mr. Shankar Kathara, with a message given by the missile man himself.

On the morning of 15th August, students along with parents slowly trooped in into the assembly area. After the morning prayer, the students moved to the ground for the flag hoisting by Head Girl Tejal Borade which was accompanied by the choir’s flag song ‘ Vijaya Vishwa Tiranga Pyara…’ and the national anthem.

A small program was then held in the auditorium hosted by the Deputy Cultural Secretary Pranjal Mhatre and Amaan Patekar. It began aptly with a speech by Head Boy Salman Naik. A satirical skit on the theme ‘Naagrikta’ planned by Ms. Vaishali Jadhav and a thought provoking speech by Tanvi Bangar, a grade 6 student, infused with the spirit of nationalism raised many important issues like the role of citizens in the 21st century and standards of possessing humanity. The dance performances by students of grade 7 and Grade 6, who were trained by Mr. Prashant Mhatre and Mr. Jagat Kumar respectively, and the singing performances ‘Hum Bachche Man Ke Sachche’ sung by students of Grades 1 and 2 and the patriotic medley by students of Grades 3 to 8, both of which were planned by the Mr. Satish More and Mr. Shrinivas Oak, received appreciation and a big round of applause.

The event ended with a speech by the Principal, Ms. Anjna Sahi, who narrated a few personal experiences of the year 1971, during the Indo- Pakistan war, which ran a chill down everyone’s spine. In her speech Ms. Anjna Sahi explained everyone the value of living freely and safely in secured India now and gave a message that we are responsible for sustaining this freedom. At the end the Head Girl gave the vote of thanks expressing gratitude for all the participants and teachers without whom the event would not have been possible.

Through these events at DPGA, students showed reverence to the freedom fighters and eminent leaders, and to an extent also realised the value of ‘being independent’.