Independence Day Celebration at JNV Malhar
A bird’s Eye View

By A.K. Nayak
PGT English

JNV Malhar, 15th August: Despite atrocious weather (Downpour throughout the night and drizzling at the peak hours of celebration), India’s 64th Independence Day was celebratedby the inmates of JNV Malhar, Bilaspur with feverish zeal.

The campus looked very much colourful and vibrant. The Indian tri-colours, everywhere. danced to the tune of the cool breeze blowing. NCC Cadets, scouts and guides, members of school band – all were in a high alert. Caring little to the drizzle, the students, the cadets, the commanders, the band comrades and above all the workers, teachers and the chief guest celebrated the occasion with merit. They assembled themselves at 7.15AM in the Hockey Ground of the school for saluting the tri-colour, the lifeline of the nation by hoisting it high. The tiny trots of Sishu Niketan looked smart in their gait up. Sweet million dollar smiles spread over the faces of the students, participants and dignitaries.  The chief guest of the occasion, Mr. B.K. Mahanti, revered principal of the School hoisted the flag. He received the ceremonial salutes from all cadets. The campus was surcharged with mystic beauty of the National Anthem, the pride and glory of the nation coupled with high pitched Bande Matarm coming from every nook and cranny of the campus.
The Day’s other proceedings were executed in the Multipurpose Hall of the school. Outside drizzling did not become a barrier to the scintillating morning in the Hall due to well synchronization of light, sound, camera, colour, costume and above all sweet melody.  The morning in the Hall began with honouring the guest by the teachers and students and worshipping of the family deity, goddess Saraswati. The revered principal lighted the lamp and declared the celebration open. At the outset, the house captains were donned with badges by the concerned house masters and the school captains by the principal and Vice-principal of the Institute.

The mass PT by the tiny trots of the Sishu Niketan, JNV, Malhar mesmerized the audience through their crafty demonstration and innocent smile. The aerobic dance of the seniors to the tune of the Navodaya song was simply superb.  Some of the students, highly inspired by the martyrs of the freedom struggle spoke volume on the occasion.  The hit song  “Joy Ho” of the ‘Slum Dog millionaire’ was the centre of attraction of the audience. They acknowledged the performance with thunderous applause. The chief guest Mr. B.K. Mahanti rose to speak. His speech was very much heart touching. He said, “This is the time to remember our ancestors who sacrificed their homes, their youth, their mirth and above all their lives for the sake of their country men. It is the right time to pay homage to these immortal souls, the sons of incredible India. “India, My Mother”, they said and jumped into the flame of freedom struggle. No heed to the whips of Britishers. Krantis were they. This is the time to feel proud that we are Indians. This is the time to be united with the tune of the national anthem. This is the time we should be very much committed to carrying the nation forward and for excellence”.

Madam Manju Tiwari, the revered Vice-principal of the school proposed the vote of thanks. She appreciated everyone’s contribution behind the showcase and showered thanks for their commitment and concurrence behind the endeavour.
The media persons, the local leaders and the villagers added zest to the programme.
The celebration came to an end with slight refreshment.

…………………………….Jai Hindi, Jai Bharat…………………..