Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: Independence Day marks the end of British rule in 1947 and the establishment of a free and independent Indian nation. This day reminds the country’s citizens of all the sacrifices the freedom fighters made to secure the country’s future.
Swatantrata Divas, India’s 74th Independence Day was celebrated at Lourdes Central School on August 15 amidst the cloud of corona pandemic by observing all the health protocols like social distancing, wearing a facemask, limited gathering etc.
The programme started at 8.00 am in the school open grounds with a prayer song.
Therese Monteiro welcomed the dignitaries on the stage. The school manager Fr Dr John Baptist Saldanha, principal Fr Robert D’Souza, vice-principal Belita Mascarenhas, assistant parish priest Fr Pramod Crasta, Ashok Pinto vice-president, Preethi Gomes secretary of Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad and the staff and the parishioners gathered.
The ceremonial raising and unfurling of the national flag was done by the school manager Fr Dr John Baptist Saldanha. The significance of the day was highlighted by Sangeetha Salins. The feeling of Mother India was awakened through a patriotic song sung by the teachers.
Fr Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the manager, in his presidential address, commemorated the supreme sacrifice of the great martyrs who gave their lives for the sake of India’s independence and reminded us to follow the ideals of these great leaders. He insisted on developing smart, self reliant India through unity, though various factors try to divide us.
The event was organized by the staff of LCS Shamitha Machado compered the programme. The event was web cast in order to reach out to the students and parents who were not able to participate. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Flavia D’Cunha.
A week-long programme was organized for the students of LCS which began on the 10th of the month. The teachers and student representatives enlightened the students on our valiant freedom fighters who fought selflessly to attain freedom from the colonial rule. A periodic film was shown in the virtual classroom to kindle patriotism in them. The students had solo and group performances of patriotic singing and acting. A pledge was taken by the students and teachers to create awareness.
In connection with this celebration, a series of competitions were also arranged on a virtual platform for the students to add liveliness and passion. Flag making, colouring the flag, collage, chart making were some of the competitions for the students up to class 4. Classes 5 to 8 had tricolour food making and vegetable carving. Painting and photography competitions were held for classes 9 to 12. These competitions provided them with a great platform to display their talents as well as arouse nationalism. Indeed, it was a day of joy, reminding everyone to love and respect the country and make it a better place to live in and experience the freedom, peace and unity in diversity.
May our Independence Day be filled with a patriotic spirit. Jai Hind.