Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: Carmel School marked the nation’s 79th Independence Day with great pride and patriotic fervour on August 15.
The morning began on the school campus, where the atmosphere brimmed with national spirit. The programme commenced with a brief presentation on the significance of the day by Sarah and Alifya, followed by a prayer song that invoked God’s blessings upon the nation and its people, setting a reverent tone for the celebrations.
Sr Rose Vera, principal, welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest, Anil D’Souza, a retired Army Havildar. She extended a warm greeting to the dignitaries present, including sister Maria Naveena AC, Provincial superior, sister Rose Agnes AC, sister Maria Reethika AC, sister Maria Sudeepa AC, and Sr Smitha AC, joint secretary and superior of St Ann’s Convent, along with parents, teachers, and students. In her address, she reflected on the virtues of liberty, truth, and progress.
The dignitaries then gathered around the flag mast in a solemn circle as the chief guest unfurled the national flag. The school band played the National Anthem, and the tricolour soared with pride in the clear morning sky. This was followed by the patriotic song Vijai Vishwadi Ranga Pyara, stirring deep pride in every heart.
After the flag hoisting, the celebrations shifted to the school auditorium for a cultural programme presented by the students of grade 8. The event was creatively staged as a ‘live telecast,’ with two students ‘reporters’ narrating scenes of patriotic fervour from across the city before ‘arriving’ at Carmel School.
The programme included a moving prayer where ‘Bharat Mata’ was depicted with children portraying the past, present, and future of India, offering a sincere plea for peace, unity, and blessings on the nation. The moment concluded with the lines, ‘We are your prayer, O Mother India’, as the flag waved on stage.
The programme continued with a welcome dance. Through lively dialogues, the ‘reporters’ highlighted the uniqueness of the Tiranga, the sacrifices of national heroes, and the role of every citizen in safeguarding freedom. They interviewed characters such as a software engineer, homemaker, college student, tea vendor, and teacher, each sharing what Independence Day meant to them.
The teacher’s reflections emphasised the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the factors that once divided the nation, and the need to root out corruption, injustice, poverty, through the responsibility of every citizen of India. Patriotic songs and dances further added to the fervour.
In his address, Anil spoke on the meaning and significance of the day, illustrating how the nation’s journey moved from struggle to strength and from sacrifice to success. He urged students to be humane, to focus on learning, and to trust that their mentors always act for their good using the example of a cancelled picnic to explain the thought process behind decisions.
The programme was anchored by Sheryl Deena, with the welcome note presented by Manvi Chowta and the vote of thanks proposed by Meghan. The school community reflected on the importance of working towards a brighter, more inclusive future and appreciated the creativity, dedication, and passion of the students, which had made the event a resounding success.