Noida school hoists ‘Tiranga’ from the year 1947

On the 75^th anniversary of India’s Independence, all citizens are bringing home the National flag under the campaign, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. The initiative led by the Government of India is to encourage people to hoist the tricoloured flag in their homes to strengthen their connection with the country.

For Shourya Kuntail, a class 10 student of Apeejay School, Noida, the act of hoisting the Tiranga at home has been a family tradition past decades. His late maternal great grandfather, Shri Karthik Prasad Misra, was an active figure in India’s Freedom Struggle movement against the British. On the momentous day of August 15, 1947, he brought home the ‘Tiranga’ to teach his five children about the importance of attaining freedom from the foreign rule. Later in life, his children became chief contributors to the country’s defence, medicine and technological domains.

One of his sons, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Abhoy Kumar Misra preserved this flag and passed it on to his daughter, Ms. Niharika Misra, an official at the Ministry of External Affairs, Delhi. Every year, on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day, Ms. Misra along with her husband and son, Shourya Kuntail, hoists this flag atop their Noida residence. While doing so, she remembers the contribution of her ancestors as well as pays tribute to the national heroes of the country.

Shourya Kuntail is currently a student at Apeejay School, Noida. This year, at a school event to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ he decided to share his invaluable possession with Commandant Ajay Singh. At the ceremony held at Apeejay, Shourya Kuntail enthralled the audience by handing over the flag preserved till now. 

At the school ceremony, students of class 8 met the ITBP personnel. A total of 250 National flags were distributed among students to motivate them. The school’s Principal, Mr. AK Sharma and Vice- Principal, Ms. Amrita Hajela encouraged students to imbibe the spirit of patriotism.

“I had the privilege to present the flag to our central forces. My thought behind it was to showcase the flag in a rally that is scheduled in the coming days across five schools in Noida. I am inspired by nationalistic fervour instilled in me by my family. In future, I wish to join the army too. The school ceremony felt like a dream. On the occasion of Independence Day, my message to fellow students is to engage in activities that can benefit our nation,” says Shourya.

Ms. Misra, Shourya’s mother, shares the same sentiment and spirit. She says, “Service to the nation comes first. And, that is the virtue I wish to pass onto my children. By preserving this flag at our residence, I am carrying forward my legacy. My grandfather was a learned man and he believed that people-service and academic excellence is above all. Due to his vision, our family has maintained discipline and culture.”

When asked about the preservation of the National flag, she mentioned that she keeps it folded in a cotton cloth all-year round. The material is pure khadi and it has never been ironed or washed. To students her message is, “Lead by example and strive to make your country proud, no matter what field of work you opt for.”

Similarly, speaking about the ongoing Independence Day celebrations in the school,  class 8 student Tisha says, “Last week, I participated in a rangoli-making competition and learnt many tricks and styles. I made paintings and sketches of freedom fighters as part of the school activities we gear up to celebrate Independence Day. We also had the army personnel visit the school. Students marched from class to class to spread awareness about ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. 75 years is a mega milestone for our country. We have grown each day as a nation. To further our country’s growth and progress, we must lend a hand to each other and work as a community.” 

Another class 8 student, Aarnav Chopra, wants to play cricket for India. “My favourite player is Ravindra Jadeja who is an all-rounder. I am practicing thrice a week for the sport and devoting many hours of the day to it.” 

In the coming days, Aarnav will be seen performing a mix of Bhangra and Western dance in the school as part of the Independence Day celebrations. He looks up to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s courage and strong will.