Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 16: The 79th Independence Day celebration at St Agnes PU College was a fabulous display of national pride, patriotic zeal reminding everyone of the importance of the hard-won freedom and responsibility to contribute to the nation’s unity and progress. It was an occasion to pay tribute to the valour of freedom fighters and to renew the pledge to the ideals of freedom, unity, and nationalism enshrined in the constitution. The event was graced by officer Cadet Sudeep Raj, the chief guest for the occasion. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by band students, NCC Cadets and Guides, followed by the hoisting of the Tricolour on the college grounds.

Preema Pereira, lecturer in computer science, warmly welcomed the gathering. The chief guest extended greetings to all the attendees on the propitious occasion. In his address to the students, he said, "Independence Day is significant to all of us, for it is a reckoning and a resurrection of the undying spirit of India. This soil is not just sacred-it is our very life-for it has been consecrated by the blood of martyrs and the sweat of farmers." He exhorted the youth to participate wholeheartedly in nation-building. "Mere sloganeering will not work; ask yourself what you can do for your nation, was his earnest advice to the audience," he said.

The student president, Mansi, took the opportunity to speak on the various aspects of a sovereign, democratic nation and the need to cultivate devotion and allegiance to the motherland.

The day began on a fitting note with a spirited rendition of the national anthem. This was followed by the flag song ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara’, which evoked a deep sense of loyalty and patriotism towards the country.

The entire programme was seamlessly coordinated by Anitha, HOD, department of Hindi, Shubhvani, HOD, department of computer science, Jayashree, physical director, and. The principal, Sr Norine D’Souza; Sr Maria Gloria, headmistress of St Agnes High School; PTA vice presidents Gretta Menezes and Shabnam Zakaria; faculty of PU and high school; sports secretary Mithali; students; Bhavya, physical director of the high school; and PTA executive committee members were present on this momentous occasion.

Archana Devadiga skillfully compered the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sanidhya Shetty.