MES Indian School, Ideal Indian School and Birla Public School celebrated India’s 68th Independence Day yesterday in the presence of officials, students, parents, teachers and staff members.
At MES, chief guest P K Mohamed, acting president of the school governing board, hoisted the national flag followed by rendering of the national anthem by the school choir.
Students later sang an inspiring patriotic song celebrating the richness and diversity of Indian culture.
In his presidential address, Mohamed paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for independence.
Looking to the future, he cited former president A P J Abdul Kalam’s dream of a developed India by 2020.
“Kalam has always motivated the youth of India to dream, dream and dream, because dreams transform to thoughts and thoughts lead to actions. The youth is the strength of the nation. Children should work towards liberating India from the clutches of social evils like poverty, corruption and illiteracy.”
Acting general secretary Kashif Jaleel, directors T K Aboobacker, Hasmal Ismail, Zubair, Anees Abu, Kunhu Mohamed, and acting principal Siraj Ahmed Geetay were among those present. The function was compered by Sufera Ashraf, a teacher.
At Ideal Indian School, acting principal S Vidhyashanker unfurled the tricolour and the school choir sang the national anthem.
Vidhyashanker urged students to uphold the principles of the leaders of India’s independence struggle. He also urged them to fight the challenges posed by corruption, terrorism and oppression of women.
School nurse Vernisha welcomed the gathering and administration official Firoze Vanimel proposed a vote of thanks.
At Birla Public School, chairman C V Rappai hoisted the flag in the presence of vice chairman Lukose K Chacko, management committee member Gope Shahani, life members K M Varghese and M S Bukhari, and administration manager Joseph K.
Rappai recounted the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and stressed the need to safeguard it. He reminded the students that the future of the world’s largest democracy was in their hands.
Participants of an ongoing summer camp presented a cultural programme on the occasion, featuring patriotic songs, dances and speeches.
