26th January 2013, the 64th Republic Day of the nation and the very first Republic Day celebration in the Staford School, was celebrated with much gusto and fanfare, as students, parents, staff, and management enthusiastically participated in an array of activities held to mark this occasion. The Staford School team was particularly excited about celebrating this event and felt thoroughly infused with feelings of joy. This occasion was especially important to all of us at Staford School as it signified our renewed commitment to serve the nation by exceeding parents’ expectations and needs through excellent educational services to the children.
The preparations for the Staford School Republic Day Meet had been afoot since a week. As the day dawned on the 26th, tricolor buntings gaily fluttered in the crisp winter air, the fragrance of flowers scented the gentle breeze, and the notes of patriotic songs filled the school campus charging the environment with positive energy. The parents and children- our young Stafordians, started taking their seats by nine forty-five, indicating their sense of punctuality. The chief guest, Retired Colonel Anil Awasthi, arrived promptly at 10 o’clock, followed by the arrival of our Guest of Honor, Dr. Satish Chandra, ex-Dean, Dental College, KGMU. The Director, Principal and school staff accorded them a warm welcome and the celebrations commenced.
Colonel Awasthi, the chief guest, unfurled the national flag to the spontaneous choral rendition of the national anthem by all present. A sense of pride and respect was evident on every face and bowed head as it saluted the national flag. The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by an address by the chief guest, Col. Awasthi, who exhorted the values of discipline, and diligence and reiterated the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body.
The star attraction of the day was a republic day parade by the tiny tots, the future citizens of India, who were all dressed up in the national attire. Their sparkling eyes, contagious innocent smiles and gleeful waving of the national flag underscored the inherent feeling of happiness and pride that each of us need to retain in us as we grow up. Such a celebration of life teaches us to breathe and blossom.
To take the excitement one-step further, the parents and young Stafordians took part in an interactive round of Fun-time-Quiz Time, which tested the awareness of the parents and the kids alike. The prizes were literally whisked away by the energetic and enthusiastic participants.
The celebrations came to a warm close in the nippy winter air with a high-tea for all. The parents got to know each other better and even went around the school, appreciating the new additions in the building. Everyone was particularly charmed by the newly painted, ready and waiting nursery classrooms. Soon the parents and children waved their good-byes, with the young ones clutching the Staford Republic Day gifts-a reminder of the wonderful time spent in the sprawling school campus. As the children looked back at the flag fluttering gaily above their heads, we know they were all thinking of the next time they would be back in school. We at Staford look forward to having them with us soon.
Till then, adieu! Jai Hind!