Independence Day 2022

‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world.’

On the joyous occasion of our 75th Independence Day, St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School was decorated beautifully with balloons and flags while the entire façade of the building reflected the bands of the Indian tricolour.

On the morning of 15 August 2022, the national flag fluttered gently in the cool breeze as it was hoisted by honorable Chief Guest Major General MN Devaya. The national anthemwas sung with full patriotic fervour.

The Chief Guest was then escorted to the auditorium by our Principal Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, Vice Principal Mr. Brian Mckertish and Administrator of the Primary Section of SJBHS Rev Fr Vishal D’Souza SJ, where the rest of the function continued with the same enthusiasm and zest.

After invoking God’s blessings on the Nation, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp marked the commencement of the culturalprogramme. The students expressed their thoughts on the Nation through well composed poetry, speeches, songs and dances. The cultural events resonated with the values of unity, equality, secularism and brotherhood. Encompassing a plethora of regional languages, the programme was not only a joy to witness but also reverberated the culture prevalent in the environs of the school.

The Chief Guest, a proud Josephite (batch of 1978), addressed the audience and spoke about embracing the ethos of the school, namely ‘Faith and Toil’, as we journey onwards in our quest to make our Nation glorious and triumphant in the global stage! A well-scripted skit brought to the fore the struggles and hardships as well as the sacrifices of our Martyrs, with a special focus on theSanthal tribal community of India as a tribute to newly elected President of India.

Fr. Sunil Fernandes spoke about the two important dimensions of freedom: Responsibility and Accountability. He stressed on the symbolism of the colors of our National Flag and encouraged the students to celebrate the different faiths and cultures of India while retaining their own unique differences to meld the country into a land of unique oneness. Each student received a khadi memento and a flag as well as celebration chocolates as they dispersed.