Patriotism in the Air

“Every citizen of India must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain duties.” Sardar Vallabhai Patel

Unfazed by the inclement weather and untroubled by the watery sunshine, the students, staff and parents of SJBHS were in school at 8 am on the 15th of August, 2017 to show their faith in the tricolor and their love for their motherland.

The traditional Josephite Guard of Honour welcomed the Chief Guest Lt. Col. Aiyappa B.N. He was escorted by our Principal Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ, Vice Principal Mrs. Miriam Angelo and the Administrator of the Primary School Rev. Fr. Robert Rodrigues SJ, into the auditorium amidst applause.

God’s blessings were sought in the form of a prayer song ‘In his time’, after which the national flag was hoisted and the national anthem sung with gusto. A variety programme followed with dances, patriotic songs, dance drama recitals and speeches paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Indian soldier as well as the progress in our country. Former Prime Minister Nehru’s iconic speech on 15th August 1947, was re enacted to give a flavor of India at the end of British rule.

Our Chief Guest and Old Boy, Lt. Col. Aiyappa B.N, was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2002. I his speech he urged students to weave the Josephite motto of ‘Faith and Toil’ to take on the world, leaving no one behind, as according to him victory is not an option but it is the only option.

Lt. Col. Aiyappa had a word of advice for the teachers as well asking them to nurture the sparks among the students and be proud of their efforts so that together there could be better people, better citizens, better Indians and better Josephites!

The Vote of Thanks was delivered and the 71st Independence Day Celebrations at SJBHS drew to a close.