Independence Day 2013

This year, fifteenth of August celebrations took us on a walk down memory lane as it reminded us about the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives so that our countrymen could breathe freely today. The enlightening words of our teachers taught our young minds to soar high in the realm of freedom and rethink its actual meaning. The speeches of students as part of the declamation competition informed us about the situation of women and how significant they are in society; a fact that most tend to overlook. Following this, the lively dance competition comprised various performances wherein one was a representation of Lord Shiva jiving to Michael Jackson’s song!

For a change, the students very comfortably settled down in their seats well before time, eager for the show to start. As soon as we caught a glimpse of Urvashi Aunty we could see the entire congregation straighten their spines to look smart on this very glorious day. As custom goes, we saluted our National Flag and in unison sang the National Anthem followed by a patriotic song, with great fervour. Our Principal, transformed her speech into a wonderful story that personified freedom. It was meant to inspire and ignite thoughts and opinions on the actual meaning of freedom and it surely did set us thinking. Following this, was a thought-provoking speech by the Vice Head girl Aiman Jafri who threw light on the Martyrs of our country and the growing awareness of contemporary situations amongst the youth.

We had four thought provoking speeches for the competition in “Klisht” Hindi and two more from students of Prerna Girls & CFL, who were given the floor to express their views. Though the sound system at Study Hall has a history of untimely mood swings, our Head Boy, Dharm Pravartak luckily didn’t need one, owing to his deeply resonant and expressive voice which paved the way for his win in the competition. Subsequently, a few from the audience were called up to further elucidate on the topic with their own thoughts. These included Kshitij, Abhilaksh and a few others.

The results of the dance competition which was to be based on the theme of creation and destruction, were not congruent to popular choice but nevertheless, winners were applauded and cheered. Cypress house got the consolation prize with their representation of nature while Jacaranda came in third with their depiction of creation and destruction of freedom and nationalism. Fire flame chose to portray the woes of the girl child, was adjudged second while Silver Oak’s well- coordinated performance with Nature as its central theme stole the show and stood first in the competition.

Independence Day was a great blend of seriousness and amusement( as every few minutes one balloon on stage would burst sparking giggles), information and entertainment and most importantly it made us realize that independence is a legacy, to protect and to live for. On a lighthearted concluding note one must mention that we could not help but notice how savvy our Student Cabinet looked in their white polo shirts!

– Samriddhi Shah and Rohina Dass