The Independence Day celebration at Amara Jyothi English School is a grand, solemn, and joyous annual event that fills the campus with a powerful sense of patriotism and unity. Here’s a breakdown of how the day typically unfolds:
1. The Preparations
The school begins preparations well in advance. Classrooms and corridors are adorned with tri-color ribbons, balloons, and student-made charts depicting freedom fighters, maps of India, and the national symbols. Students practice passionately for the various performances.
2. The Day of the Event (August 15th)
The celebration usually begins in the cool hours of the morning, around 8:00 or 9:00 AM, to avoid the midday heat.
- Assembly and Welcome: The entire school—students, teachers, principal, and invited guests—assembles on the school ground. The school prefects ensure everyone is in orderly lines, class-wise.
- Hoisting the National Flag: The most significant moment of the day. The Chief Guest (often a respected local personality, veteran, or senior educator) or the School Principal hoists the Indian National Flag. As the flag goes up, everyone stands in respectful silence.
- The National Anthem: The entire gathering sings the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, with great pride and fervor. This is a truly spine-tingling moment that unites everyone.
3. Cultural Programme
After the flag hoisting, students move to the school auditorium or a shaded area for the cultural event. The stage is decorated with the themes of freedom and national integration. The program includes:
- Patriotic Speeches: Students deliver inspiring speeches in English and the regional language about the significance of Independence Day, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and the duties of the youth.
- Songs and Dance: The school choir sings beloved patriotic songs like Vande Mataram, Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo, and Sare Jahan se Achha. Younger students often perform energetic dances to modern patriotic numbers.
- Skit/Play: A short play or skit dramatizing an important event from the Indian freedom struggle is a major highlight. It helps bring history to life for the students.
- Poetry Recitation: Students recite poems by famous Indian poets reflecting on themes of freedom and patriotism.
4. Distribution of Sweets
No Indian celebration is complete without sweets! At the end of the formal program, the school distributes packets of sweets to every student and staff member.
5. Special Activities & Competitions
To make the day more engaging, the school often organizes competitions in the preceding days, and the winners are announced on August 15th. These can include:
- Drawing and Painting competitions (theme: Independence Day)
- Essay Writing competitions
- Fancy Dress competition, where younger children dress up as freedom fighters like Gandhi Ji, Bhagat Singh, or Rani Lakshmibai.
- Quiz competitions on Indian history and the freedom movement.
6. The Sentiment and Message
The principal and chief guest give short addresses, emphasizing the values of freedom, peace, unity, and diversity. They remind students that freedom comes with responsibility and encourage them to be good, informed citizens who contribute positively to the nation’s future.
The day concludes with a sense of collective pride and celebration. Students return home not just with sweets, but with a renewed sense of respect for their country’s history and their role in its future.
Jai Hind!