Mangaluru: “Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labour in freedom.” It was a moment of pride for the Mount Carmel family as they organized the 70th Independence Day with great respect and honour.

It was more meaningful this time as we had the military ex-servicemen with us. The celebrations began with the hoisting of National Flag by honoured chief guest Vinay Bangera, Training Head, Diya Systems and his wife Dr Blessy Bangera.

It was indeed a breathtaking moment when we saluted the National Flag and emotionally sang the National Anthem. This was followed by the march past led by the school head boy Chinmaya HN. The students marched rhythmically to the beat of the school band. They displayed placards with pictures of great leaders like Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi whose footsteps they intend to follow.

The chief guests and other dignitaries were then escorted to the auditorium by Sr Melissa, principal and the administrator Sr Carissima. The MCs Darshitha of Class XI and Craig D’Souza of Class IX led the programme.

Cultural programme began with a meaningful prayer service led by Class IX students. The welcome dance was indeed a meaningful gesture of welcoming all the dignitaries. Saakshi Pinto and Deon Miranda of Class IX welcomed the gathering. Chief guests Mr and Mrs Vinay Bangera and the ex-servicemen Cyril D’Souza, Ligouri Leo Rego, Cyril Baptist Rodriguess and Gopal were given a floral welcome by the students of Class IX.

There were two skits performed by Class IX and XI students - One was on the sacrifice of military men for the defense of the nation and the other was a skit to show the dreams of present youth for their nation. There were rhythmic dances by Classes III, IX and XI depicting spirit of patriotism and India’s varied cultural heritage.

The chief guest Vinay Bangera and other dignitaries were then escorted to the dais. First the ex-servicemen Cyril D’Souza, Ligouri Leo Rego, Cyril Baptist Rodriguess and Gopal were honoured and felicitated for their service to the nation.

Vinay Bangera delivered the message for the day. He spoke on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and military men. He raised a question to the audience saying, “Is India really free from corruption, poverty and violence?” He asked the coming generation to keep the country clean, stop corruption and help the needy so that country achieves freedom in its right sense.

The ex-serviceman, Subedar Cyril D’Souza expressed his sentiments of gratitude for honouring them and encouraged the students to join the armed force and to serve the nation.

The dignitaries were then escorted back to the audience. The cultural programme continued with the rhythmic dances of Class IX girls and XI boys. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Lester Lobo of class IX and distribution of sweets. It was indeed a day of celebration filled with spirit of patriotism and honour for our Mother land India.