Coming together in the shared spirit of reverence, pride, faith and love for our Motherland, St Agnes Institutions celebrated the 74th Indian Independence Day on 15 August, 2020. Students Rishelle and group lead the gathering in prayer to evoke divinity from within to realize the need for all Indians to cherish the universal nature of every faith through prayer, so that we become better Indians for a better India.

Following the paramount Indian tradition of being welcoming, the Master of Ceremony, Ms Anna Una Crasta formally welcomed the dignitaries, Chief Guest Sr Dr Lydia AC, Joint Secretary, St Agnes Institutions, Sr Dr Venessa AC, Principal, St Agnes College, Sr Carmel Rita AC, Administrator, the Heads of all St Agnes Institutions, Sisters from the convent, staff, NCC cadets, NSS students and members of the press to the solemn Independence Day programme.

Bearing in mind that in difficult times when we are hustling along in life, we often forget to realize, cherish, appreciate and celebrate our Indianness, the significance of the day was presented by Ms Samruddhi, Head Girl, St Agnes CBSE School.

The Chief Guest, Sr Dr Lydia AC did the honour of hoisting the National Flag while the fervour of patriotism echoed as the National Anthem was sung. The Chief Guest then addressed the gathering with her thought-provoking message of reminiscing the vision of the freedom struggle, reflecting over the national consciousness of our freedom fighters and the resilience we Indians need today to use our freedom rightly.

Students Helreen and group paid a melodious tribute to our glorious nation through patriotic songs.

At St Agnes College, celebrations are in plenty enhancing the quality of educational experiences the college has to offer. To add to the charm of the Independence Day celebration, Dr Vishala BK, select grade librarian, St Agnes College (Autonomous), was honoured as the ‘Outstanding Community Leader’ for the year 2020, by The International Institute for Public Policy, a.k.a IIPP, Mangaluru.

To express the sentiment of gratitude, Marinsa, NCC Army Wing Cadet, delivered the vote of thanks.