Students bring alive slices of history, pay tribute to patriots

Emotional act

Bidya Bharati School, Mominpore

Students from Classes I to IV at Bidya Bharati School, Mominpore, celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and a series of spirited performances. The event began with a parade by the children, followed by flag-hoisting by the school management.

The cultural programme paid tribute to the nation's freedom fighters. Students from various classes sang a medley of patriotic songs, including Muktir Mondiro, Bharat Humko and Maa Tujhe Salaam.

Different classes presented dances on the theme of unity in diversity. Class II took the audience on a journey to Kashmir with their lively performance to Bumroo Bumroo, while another group from the same class performed the Lodi dance of Punjab. Class I charmed the crowd with their rendition of the Baul song, Ese Ek Rosik Pagol and Class IV transported everyone to the tea gardens with Assam Deser Chai Ke Bagane. Class III showcased the folk dances of Rajasthan and Kerala.

The event concluded with a skit, Dui Dui E Panch, which challenged the current education system.

"This year, we honoured our freedom fighters and also the future generation. As educators, we nurture minds that will continue to uphold the values of liberty, unity and responsibility. Along with dance, music and yoga, the children performed a Bengali skit," said teacher-in-charge Sumana Nag.

Dance and drama

K.E. Carmel School, Sarisha

The junior and senior students of K.E. Carmel School, Sarisha, paid tribute to India’s freedom fighters with a celebration on Independence Day. The festivities began with the flag-hoisting by principal Father Jojo Thuruthayil and vice-principal Brother Chacko Thekkethala on the grounds.

Next, the school captains led a parade featuring the in-house band and representatives from the four houses.

The cultural programme then moved to the school auditorium, starting with an aerobics performance by students from Classes V and VI. The school choir, made up of students from Classes V to X, followed with a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram, along with a poem recitation paying homage to the martyrs of the nation.

A highlight of the event was a dance performance by students from Classes V to X, which honoured the bravery of freedom fighters such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, Khudiram Bose, Pritilata Waddedar, Master Da Surya Sen, Matangini Hazra and others.

The students also staged a play, Virangana, addressing the social evils and discrimination that continue to plague society despite over seven decades of Independence. The play emphasised the need for equal opportunities for all.

The event concluded with a dance presentation showcasing the diverse dance forms of India, including Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Odissi, performed by students of Classes V to X.

“As we commemorate the 78th anniversary of our freedom, let us reflect on the sacrifices made by our forefathers and the responsibilities we hold as citizens. This day is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of our duty to contribute positively to our nation. Together, let us embrace the values of unity, integrity and patriotism, ensuring that we honour our Independence by building a brighter future for all,” said principal Fr Jojo Thuruthayil.

Tragedy revisited

St Xavier’s Institution, Panihati

St Xavier's Institution, Panihati, celebrated Independence Day with a cultural programme held at Vidyasagar Bhavan (Annexe Building). The event was marked by patriotism and reflection on India’s journey to freedom.

The Tricolour was hoisted by the special guest, Sailendra Kumar Chakraborty, chairman of the Suburban Educational Society, followed by the singing of the national anthem by the students. In his address, Chakraborty encouraged the young audience to contribute to building an educated and empowered India.

Students from Classes I to VIII presented a moving skit, Ma Tujhe Salaam, which paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs, soldiers and their families during India’s freedom struggle. A poignant reenactment of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919, left the audience emotional. The programme also included performances of patriotic songs and dances, adding to the day’s significance.

"The students researched hard before staging the programme on Independence Day. It made them delve deeper into the nation's history and take inspiration from it. I hope the future generation imbibes qualities such as courage, integrity, and passion from our martyrs," said principal Lipika Ghosh.

Passionate speeches

K.E. Carmel School, Siliguri

K.E. Carmel School, Siliguri, marked Independence Day with a cultural programme, transforming the school grounds with Tricolour decorations. Students, teachers and staff gathered to honour the nation and its freedom fighters.

The event's guest of honour was educator Fr Tinu Thamacherry. The celebrations commenced with the flag-hoisting by principal Fr Rev. Jojo Issac, followed by a disciplined march past featuring students from the four school houses — Yellow, Red, Green and Blue.

The cultural programme blended traditional and contemporary performances, celebrating India’s heritage. The school choir set the tone with a rendition of the patriotic song, Ae Watan Watan Mere Abad Rahe Tu. Next, students from Classes V, VI and IX performed a dance showcasing the diversity of India’s states, culminating in a powerful performance to Lehra Do.

The highlight of the programme was a skit portraying key moments from India's freedom struggle. The students also performed for the public at the ML Acropolis Mall on Sevok Road.

"Students presented a vibrant cultural programme that included patriotic songs, dances and speeches. The event spread the message of unity, freedom and responsibility among the community. It highlighted the students’ talent," said principal Fr Rev. Jojo Issac.

Music and the wonder years

Delhi Public School (Joka) South Kolkata

Pre-primary students of Delhi Public School (Joka), South Kolkata, took the stage by storm at their annual concert, Pratiti, held on August 24. The event provided a platform to over 170 young performers from the Lower Nursery, Nursery and the Preparatory sections to showcase their talents and overcome stage fright.

The concert began with the lamp-lighting by principal Writuparna Chatterjee, who also delivered a speech to the young participants, urging them to shed their nervousness and embrace the spotlight.

“A happy and positive environment enables children to give their best,” Chatterjee noted, emphasising the importance of creating supportive surroundings for young learners.

The performances started with a delightful musical medley, where the children sang songs in three languages. Their heartfelt renditions of It’s a World of Laughter, Lal Neel Sobujer e Mela and Achyutam Keshavam captivated the audience.

The stage then saw the Preparatory students performing an elegant Ganesh Vandana, followed by the Lower Nursery tots, who showcased their patriotism. Dressed in tricolour outfits, they danced to the rhythm of I Love My India, spreading a message of harmony.

Nursery students took the opportunity to share lessons on thankfulness and gratitude, while the Preparatory section returned for the grand finale, with a performance celebrating the playful spirit of Lord Krishna.

“Childhood is the most crucial and developmental stage of human life. At this stage, an individual gets highly stimulated by the environment around him or her and exhibits maximum response. A positive, nurturing environment is essential for the development of cognitive and social skills among the children. Pratiti was an initiative to celebrate childhood in all its glory,” said the principal.

Toothbrush art

Sushila Birla Girls’ School

An hour-long art workshop recently left a lasting impression on 20 young artists, creating memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Organised by Sushila Birla Girls' School in collaboration with Alliance Française du Bengale, the event brought together students from three schools, each eager to explore creative expression.

Twenty students, aged between 11 and 13, participated in the workshop. Among them were seven students from both the Mukundapur and Moira Street branches of Birla High School, along with six Class VIII students from the host school.

French artists Romain Bermond and Jean-Baptiste Maillet led the session, demonstrating spray-painting techniques. The duo engaged the students in English, sharing insights into their artistic methods and the thought processes behind their work. In an unconventional twist, the students were tasked with creating artwork using toothbrushes. They applied their creativity by affixing white paper cutouts of rural, urban and animal landscapes onto black paper, followed by spray-painting the scenes.

The aim of the event was to encourage alternative forms of artistic expression and foster intercultural connections through shared experiences. For the young participants, the hands-on activity was not only a creative exercise, but also a welcome relief from everyday pressures.

"Such workshops help students to learn even better. They let loose the creativity in children, help them think out-of-the-box and also provide them relief from stress and pain. They are very important and should be encouraged as they help children grow," said principal Koeli Dey.