Zeal, vigour, patriotism and great enthusiasm charged the atmosphere at Staford School this morning. Hearts reverberating with the national anthem was what connected each and every Stafordian on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day of India- a day, when India awoke to a life of freedom, wrenching itself free from the shackles of British rule, 67 years ago.
The tri-colour was hoisted by the Chief Guest for the occasion, Colonel Amit Langar. As it fluttered in the morning breeze showering flower petals on its young denizens, the notes of our mellifluous national anthem scented the air. Soon, the young battalion of Staford was ready to celebrate the day and pay their tribute to the nation through a bouquet of songs, dances, pyramid formations, martial arts display and a presentation by the teachers.
Staford is nurturing not only good singers but young dancers, athletes, and sportsmen too. Be it celebrating the spirit of freedom with a heartfelt ‘Vande Mataram’ dance by Class 2 and 3 or the crisp and confident display of physical fitness and agility through pyramid formations and Taekwondo by students of classes 4 to 7, or holding aloft of the national symbols through a creative dance performance, the children saluted their nation with every performance. The levels of patriotism were further boosted by the choir who rendered songs glorifying “bharat”.
The children’s performances brought into focus the innumerable sacrifices of the freedom fighters. The chief guest, Colonel Amit Langar too reminded children of the heroes of India and inspired the children by recounting the valor of Capt. Manoj Pandey. He exhorted that the children should strive to become real life heroes by being honest, courageous, respectful, selfless and by reposing faith in the almighty. He also stressed on the fact that it is our duty as citizens of the independent India to work towards maintaining harmony as well contributing towards the growth of the country in every way we can. The celebrations for the day concluded with a rendition of ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’ by the teachers of Staford which left the school portals resonating with feelings of love for the country.
What better way to celebrate the nations’s independence day than with full awareness of India’s glorious past, of the innumerable sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and of the responsibilities each citizen has to the nation. Staford feels proud to be working consistently towards making a difference to the nation and to the children in its fold.