Independence Day Celebrations - 2015

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny...” These famous words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru were uttered at midnight on August 15th 1947 and they announced our liberation from the bondage of British rule: India awoke to a much awaited Freedom.

That moment - 69 years ago – was indeed a long time ago, but year after year SJBHS joins millions of Indians to celebrate this historic day. This year was no different and the Independence Day celebrations at SJBHS were conducted with the customary pride and patriotism.

The Chief Guest this year, Brigadier Ravinder Malik (ASC), was escorted into the SJBHS Auditorium, after receiving the customary Josephite ‘Guard of Honour’. The Principal, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, S.J., Vice Principal, Mrs. Miriam Angelo, Vice Principal and Administrator of the Primary School, Rev. Fr. Sunil Fernandes, S.J., escorted the dignitary into the audience of Josephites who had gathered to pay homage to their motherland, strengthen their belief in democracy and renew their pledge to strive for progress in India.

Amidst a solemn silence, the national flag was hoisted, and it was followed by the national anthem. As per school tradition, there was a prayer song and the lighting of the symbolic lamp. Omnipresent God was asked to protect the country, bestow wisdom to the policy makers and deliver the poverty stricken from their sufferings.

Then it was time for speeches, songs and dances along with a skit on the struggle for independence, the heroic patriotism of our martyrs and the uphill task of making India truly free.

A rich tribute was paid to our former President, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The school recalled the memorable visit of the ‘People’s President’ to the SJBHS campus in the year 2008.

The Vote of Thanks brought to a close the celebrations of the 69th Independence Day. Everyone went their separate ways, diverse in religion, culture, caste and creed but together as citizens of a Sovereign, Secular, Free, Democratic India.
Jai Hind!