by Sharmila & Cleric Christopher Nadar for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Nerul celebrated the 72nd Republic Day virtually amidst great patriotic fervor on 26 January, 2021. Around 60 students participated in this programme. The programme began at 7.45 am with the welcoming of the Chief Guest Smt. Anjana Sahi, Principal of Podar International School, Nerul (Cambridge International), the management and the staff. It was followed by the flag-hoisting ceremony, national anthem, flag song and recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution.

After reciting the Preamble by the head boy, Father Barnabe D'Souza-Rector, introduced the Chief Guest. The students of the secondary section enlightened all with the meaning of the national anthem and about the evolution of the national flag. It was followed by a very informative speech on Atmanirbhar Bharat by Anuj Jha of Class V. The list of achievements of our nation mentioned in the speech made the tiny tots rejoice through a beautiful dance on the song ‘Muskurayega India’ and a poem recitation. The theme for the celebration being Atmanirbhar Bharat, the students of the lower primary section gave few motivational slogans based on the theme which was followed by a melodious and inspirational song by the upper primary section.

The last segment of the celebration was a dance depicting a wonderful fusion of Sufi music and Bharatnatyam on the song ‘Hum se badhkar hum, bolo Vande Mataram’ by a student of Class XI. After the dance, Smt. Sahi addressed the audience with her inspirational speech in which she mentioned about the glorious past of India and the present stable state of our country, thanks to the spirit of self- reliance in all aspects even in the pandemic situation. The programme culminated at 8.50 am with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Principal-Father Blaise Fernandes who thanked all involved in the programme through his vote of thanks.