Mangaluru: 'At the stroke of midnight, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom ……' Jawaharlal Nehru.

Mount Carmel Central School on August 15 at 8.15 am commenced its 71st Independence Day celebrations. In the serenity of the early morning hours the sound of drum beats raised the spirit of every Indian present.

The ceremony was compered by Saanvi Mohan and Abdul of class IX. The school pupil leader Craig Philip D’Souza gave the first command at the arrival of the chief guest Lt Col Daniel Abraham, training officer from group head quarters in the city, followed by the PTA vice president Sundeep D’Souza, administrator Sr Carissima and principal Sr Melissa.

The chief guest hoisted the National Flag to awake the melodious sound of the band playing the National Anthem. Students of Class IX sang the Jhanda Geet and took a pledge to serve the nation. The students in rhythm to the thudding beat of the drums marched gloriously, displaying national symbols and national leaders on placards held by their squad leaders. Lt Col Daniel Abraham received the salute with pride and honour from the squad leaders.

This was followed by a cultural programme in the auditorium. The programme commenced with prayer. Students prayed specially for the safety and well being of our armed forces at the border.

After the welcome of the chief guest Lt Col Daniel Abraham and the audience, the students presented a flashback of the freedom struggle and current progress of our nation as highlights of the day. A skit on ‘Unity in Diversity’ focused on religious unity was enacted by the students. The students of class XI portrayed the theme by showcasing the traditional attire, languages, cultures and food of the various Indian states, giving a festive look to the celebrations. Students danced to the beat of popular patriotic songs to express their love for the nation.

The formal programme included honoring of the students in the competitions held. The best marching squad was also honoured by Lt Col Daniel who then delivered his message for the day. In his message he urged students to build their character which will take them to success. Seeing the caliber of the students’ performance he was happy and expressed that India is in safe hands because our youth is young and patriotic enough to hold and support our motherland that is 71 years independent today.

The day ended in mixed emotions of love and patriotism for the nation that resounded the words of Balgangadar Tilak, ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it’.