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Freedom, as we enjoy it today, is a blessing. After having broken the shackles of bondage and oppression 77 years ago, India marked its 78th Independence Day on the 15th of August 2024. We at SJBHS, celebrate this freedom, rejoice in the sheer joy of making our own choices, and understand deeply that our forefathers sacrificed much to enable us to enjoy life devoid of servitude.

The symbol of our freedom, the National Flag, was hoisted by the Chief Guest for the day, Colonel Divakar Nagarajan (Old Boy of the batch of 1973). Having served in the North Eastern States of the country, Colonel Divakar is a much-decorated army officer. The other Guests of Honour were Subedar Major Satish Kumar and Subedar Honorary Lieutenant Devi Dutt, both officers having a long list of service achievements.

As the National Flag swayed gently in the cool morning breeze, the staff, students, and guests saluted the national symbol. The National Anthem was sung with utmost fervour, patriotism, and deference. The celebration, in the auditorium, continued with a prayer, patriotic songs in Hindi and Kannada, and a skit – all themed ‘Unsung Heroes of India.’

Colonel Divakar, in his address to the students, shared with them the army acronym of ZKITBAG which stood for Zameen, Kabaar, Irada, Tarika, Bandobaast, Administration and Gari Milaap. He told the audience that analyzing the environment; receiving information of others and themselves; knowing the intention; awareness of the methodology to be used; planning with the means at hand; alertness of the logistics; and finally, being on the same time frame as the others would help whether in school, in a corporate space or in life itself.

The Principal, Fr Sunil Fernandes SJ, enlightened the students on the significance of the tri-colour and the Dharma Chakra, asking them to rise above bigotry and pettiness to celebrate their differences, find beauty in variety, and promote peace in the diversity of our society. The celebrations, though short and precise, spoke volumes for the young audience re-iterating their role as students of today and citizens of tomorrow.