Indian schools in Qatar celebrated the 63rd Republic Day of India yesterday with a variety of programmes.
A patriotic skit by students of Bhavan’s Public School
At MES Indian School a gathering of more than 4,000 students, parents, teachers, well-wishers and the members of the school governing body witnessed the hoisting of the Indian tricolour by acting president V V Mahmood, the chief guest.
In his keynote address Mahmood paid homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
He said that it is on this day that every Indian takes a pledge to uphold and sustain those values which are essential for peaceful co-existence and economic prosperity.
General secretary A Shamsuddeen and principal A P Sasidharan were among the attendees.
The school choir presented two patriotic songs along with group dances and a tableau highlighting the tears, sweat and toil of the martyrs who made it possible for India to join the world community of democratic nations with its own constitution.
Students of MES Indian School presenting a themed dance
The school’s assistant head girl Irene Abraham welcomed the gathering, assistant head boy Mohamed Irfan Vengasseri proposed the vote of thanks and assistant literary secretary Mathew Nevin Thomas compeered the formal ceremony.
At Ideal Indian School, acting president Syed Abdul Hye hoisted the national flag as the national anthem was sung.
Members of the managing committee, founder members, principal Prof Dr Mohamed Aejaz, heads of the section, parents, staff and students joined in the celebrations.
“The Republic Day is a time to recall with gratitude the sacrifices of our freedom fighters who gave us a country where our dignity and individual freedom are guaranteed by an enlightened Constitution” Hye said.
Students in their speeches reiterated their bond with their motherland and called upon the youth to live up to the traditions of their country and work for her betterment.
Brian Danthy spoke in Hindi, Inaas Nasimudheen spoke in English and Fuzail Ahmed presented his thoughts in Urdu.
The school choir from the Juniors’, Girls’ and Boys’ sections entertained the audience with patriotic songs.
Students from the Girls’ Section presented a dance number titled Our Glory, Our Pride.
Roona Ann Raju proposed a vote of thanks. The programme was compeered by Sandhya Shekhar.
At Birla Public School, the national flag was hoisted by chairman C V Rappai in the presence of vice-chairman Lukose K Chacko, life member Bhullar, Indian Community Benevolent Fund president Nilangshu Dey, students, parents, teachers and staff.
The national anthem and three patriotic songs were sung by the school choir.
Rappai highlighted the trials and tribulations of the nation’s leaders and urged the teachers to mould the present generation with moral and ethical values that will make them true global citizens.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Kanaka Sathy Nair and sweets distribution.
At DPS-Modern Indian School the occasion was marked with a special morning assembly that featured the hoisting of the tricolour and singing of the national anthem.
President Hassan Chougule, founder member and building committee chairman M I Farid, vice-president Yasir Nainar, directors Azim Abbas, Harish Kanjani, Rocky Fernandes, other officials, students, parents, teachers and support staff were present.
The school choir comprising students from the Juniors’ Section rendered patriotic songs in remembrance of the struggle for independence.
Students recited poems and delivered speeches in English and Hindi praising the freedom fighters.
There was also a visual presentation on the country’s development in all sectors, its unity in diverse culture, custom and religion.
The programme concluded with a pledge and a commitment to make sure India remains a great nation that stands for human values, achieves all unaccomplished missions, to live for the country every moment and to contribute towards development of the nation, benefitting each and every citizen.
At Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS) the celebrations featured a parade, demonstration and a patriotic dance showcasing the students’ pride in their nation.
The Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Bulbuls hoisted the national flag and sang the song We shall overcome…. true to the tradition and to uphold the values that they are learning in school.
They presented the history of the Indian national flag through a colourful demonstration.
The models of six flags designed over the years were displayed with the scouts giving an account of each.
The final emergence of the national flag with the Ashoka emblem, replacing the charka, symbolised the unity that the nation stands for.
Students also presented a dance to the tune of Vande Mataram.
Taleb Schools’ director Jayashankar Pillai, who spoke on the occasion, said that India is an emerging super power and urged the students to work for the glory of their nation.
Principal Jai Gopal Jindal and headmistress Sarada Narayanaswami were also present.
At Bhavan’s Public School, vice-chairman R O Abdul Kader hoisted the national flag. Principal G Manulal welcomed the gathering.
The students’ march past and cultural performances were based on national themes and the winter session of student parliament were also held.
At Shemford Noble International School, Noble Indian Educational Society (NIES) vice-chairman K Mohamed Easa hoisted the tricolour and gave the Republic Day message to the students.
He paid tribute to the freedom fighters of India and urged all to be loyal and patriotic citizens.
The vice-chairman reminded the students that they have to shoulder the responsibility of protecting India’s democracy and sovereignty.
NIES advisory board member M P Shafi Haji, convenors V Mustafa, R S Moideen, and Abdul Majeed Mohamed Koya were present.
Acting principal Letha Jacob and headmistress Shaheen Akhtar also spoke.
Students presented patriotic songs and speeches.
