Led by youth, India thrives at 75

Laying the foundation stone of Apeejay Education in Jalandhar, 1967 through its first school, the Founder-Chairman, Dr. Stya Paul, envisaged educational institutions pan-India that can contribute towards man-making and nation-building. Not only was he a great visionary, but an educationist, industrialist, freedom fighter and philanthropist who focused on imparting human values to young learners.

This Independence Day celebrations were memorable for Apeejay schools and higher educational institutions in the Jalandhar city as they commemorated ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ remembering the national heroes and our late Founder-Chairman whose vision remains a guiding light for many. Apeejay School, Model Town held week-long events from August 03 to August 12 2022 with great zeal and enthusiasm.

The school’s Principal, Mr. Malkiat Singh, marked the beginning of the celebrations by hoisting the National flag. Rhythms Kinderworld, the pre-primary wing of the school conducted various activities for tiny tots such as Tricolour hand-painting and origami craft, to mention a few. Students visited an army cantonment near to the school to tie ‘rakhis’ to the jawans of the Border Security Force.

Students of classes 1- 4 marched in the school holding the tricolour national flag. They also presented a group song transmitting the wave of patriotic fervour in the premises. A ‘nukkad natak’ was performed by students of classes 5-8 to pay tribute to the freedom fighters. On the following days, the students came to the school dressed as freedom fighters and delivered speeches about the great sacrifices made by the national heroes.

A group song performance by the members of the staff was another highlight of the week-long celebrations. A special assembly was also held in the school on the theme of ‘Indian Independence’ which awakened students about the achievements of India. The principal encouraged ‘Apeejayites’ to follow the path of righteousness after our leaders.

Dr Vaneeta Bhardwar, mother of a class 3 student, Lovroop Kaur, says “I feel proud that my child was part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ organised by school. She learnt a lot about the nation during the celebrations. She had a good experience during the March past and flag-hoisting.”

Adding to the same sentiment, another parent, Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, mother of students Ekambir and Simarbir says, “My kids were very enthusiastic throughout the week. Ekambir was very happy to dress up like Bhagat Singh in one of the activities. Other events such as slogan writing, art and craft gave my children a free hand to express themselves and share their thoughts about our country. Simarbir participated in a ‘nukkad natak’ which triggered her thought process on how to make our country grow on the path of equality. The school also held a visit to the monument, Dakhni Sarai, which was an amazing experience for them. I commend the efforts of the school administration in putting together so much effort in planning such activities.”

During the Independence Day celebrations, the school was decorated with tricolor flags. The school’s band also gave a performance to salute the national flag. The choir presented a melodious song and the dance group delivered a captivating dance on a medley of patriotic songs. The entire campus resonated with the sounds of “Vande Matram” “Jai Hind” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.

Taresh Datta, a student of class 8 says, “Through this celebration of India’s Independence, students, like me, can understand the struggles and hardships people faced to make India free. The school was full of energy to celebrate this grand event during the week. The colorful performances gave us a wave of happiness.” According to Dhvani Gupta, another class 8 student, “The school events not only ignited the feeling of patriotism but also helped us understand what our freedom fighters have gone through.”

After the gloom of Covid-19, these celebrations came as a necessary break for student Pramaanth Singh of class 1. “It was a new experience for me. I dressed up as a freedom fighter.” Sonia Sarna, mother of class 2 student Abir Singh Sarna, says, “Abir participated in play and dance activities. These made him feel involved in the celebrations of our glorious history.”