Government Higher Secondary School Khellani Doda celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm, despite heavy rainfall, showcasing the unwavering spirit of students and staff
By Mool Raj
The Government Higher Secondary School, Khellani, Doda, marked India’s 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and pride. The students displayed a strong sense of unity and national pride, making the event a memorable one. The program commenced at 8:30 AM with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Surjit Kumar, the Naib Tehsildar and First Class Executive Magistrate of Khellani, Doda. The Management, Principal, Staff, and students were warmly welcomed by our house captains, setting the tone for a day of celebration.
The proceedings were skillfully managed by Romesh Kumar, Master, and Zia ul Rehman, Teacher, both of whom ensured the smooth flow of the event. The photography was handled by the renowned Teacher Sajad Ahmed, along with Abrar Ahmed, a Vocational Subject Teacher at our school, who elegantly captured the essence of the celebrations.
Despite the heavy rainfall, the 78th Republic Day was celebrated with immense pride at the Government Higher Secondary School, Khellani, Doda. Several schools, including Happy Home High School Khellani, New Standard Higher Secondary School Khellani, and Rebar Modern Academy Khellani, participated in the event. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the tricolor by Surjeet Kumar. The students saluted the flag, demonstrating their unwavering respect and love for the nation. Under the guidance of Second Officer ANO Sunil Kumar, who also serves as the Commander of the NCC at our school, the students participated in a spirited March Past, showcasing their enthusiasm and dedication, even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
Following the flag hoisting, the National Anthem resonated across the grounds as all participants paid tribute to the motherland. The Chief Guest, Surjeet Kumar, addressed the gathering, dedicating the celebration to the indomitable human spirit that perseveres in adversity. He highlighted the measures being taken by the nation to navigate the economic challenges and emphasized how the current crisis has been turned into an opportunity to strengthen our collective resolve.
The cultural segment of the celebration featured recorded performances by the students, including dance, music, and talks, which were presented on a virtual platform. Patriotic songs, art forms such as drawings and paintings, and dance performances evoked strong emotions of pride, love, and respect for the country. These activities not only celebrated our rich cultural heritage but also instilled a deep sense of patriotism in both students and teachers alike.
The stage came alive with the passion and love for the motherland, as students from various schools participated in cultural activities that echoed the spirit of independence. The school grounds were filled with patriotic fervor, amplified by the choir songs performed by the participating schools. A prize distribution ceremony was held to honor meritorious students for the academic year 2023-24. The trophies were presented by our esteemed Principal, Smt. Sachla Kumar, and the Chief Guest, Surjeet Kumar.
This year, the government placed special emphasis on patriotism, encouraging the hoisting of the National Flag at every home through the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, to commemorate the 78th year of Independence.
During the event, Stage Secretary Romesh Kumar provided a detailed account of the school’s history, from its establishment in 1935 to its elevation to Higher Secondary School in 2005. He welcomed everyone with a heartfelt “Good Morning” and extended Independence Day wishes to all. He reminded the audience of the significance of this day, marking the end of British rule in India on August 15, 1947.
Teacher Zia ul Rehman beautifully remarked, “When the eyes are open, the Earth belongs to India. When the eyes are closed, the memories are of India. Even in death, there is no sorrow, for the soil must be of Hindustan.”
The Flag Hoisting Ceremony was followed by a series of vibrant cultural programs, with students from Government Higher Secondary School Khellani, New Standard High School Khellani, Happy Home High School Khellani, and Rebar Modern Middle School Khellani actively participating.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by our respected Principal, Smt. Sachla Kumari. She expressed her deep gratitude to the distinguished Chief Guest, Surjeet Kumar, the SHO Khellani, the local community, and the students. She acknowledged the collective efforts of the staff, especially in organizing the event despite the inclement weather, and extended her appreciation to the parents for their support and cooperation.
In conclusion, Principal Madam Smt. Sachla Kumari saluted the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, expressing profound respect and gratitude for their contributions to our nation’s independence.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine.
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