By BIS Correspondents for BIS Mumbai

August 15 marks dual occasions for celebration as it commemorates India’s 79th Independence Day and the feast of the Assumption of Mary. All throughout the INB Province celebrations were in full swing among schools and institutions. Here’s a look at how INB celebrated August 15.

Celebrations began early for the pre-primary section of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, in Mumbai as the teachers thoughtfully organized an event on August 11 filled with a vibrant display of talent and patriotism through skit, song and dance. Through flag-themed art, and stories of freedom fighters, the event instilled values of unity, courage, and national pride in a joyful and memorable way. On August 15, the school celebrated with spirited enthusiasm, featuring a student-led tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, disciplined march pasts, and heartfelt reflections on freedom and responsibility—underscoring its commitment to nurturing patriotic and responsible citizens.

In the lead up to August 15, Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, along with Dominic Savio Kindergarten, celebrated Desh Bhakti Day from August 1 to 14 with creative performances, classroom activities, and a community rally promoting patriotism, sustainability, and social awareness. On August 15, they celebrated Independence Day with a vibrant cultural programme themed “The Birth of Vande Mataram,” highlighting the song’s historical significance and unifying power through performances, speeches, and patriotic tributes.

Don Bosco Narukot in Gujarat celebrated Nation Month from July 16 to August 14, 2025, with engaging activities and a culminating Nation Nite event that fostered unity, cultural awareness, and enthusiastic participation among its boarders. On August 15, the school celebrated Independence Day with vibrant performances, inspiring speeches, and inclusive participation from both Gujarati and English medium students, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to patriotism, unity, and cultural diversity.

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, Kedgaon, celebrated Independence Day with a heartfelt flag-hoisting ceremony, inspiring speeches, and patriotic performances that fostered unity, reflection, and a renewed commitment to national values.

Don Bosco High School, Yerwada celebrated by featuring patriotic songs, a dance by Std IX, and a mass drill that highlighted discipline and teamwork, concluding with a renewed spirit of national pride.

Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Borivali, celebrated Independence Day with vibrant patriotism, powerful performances, and a moving skit on gender equality that echoed the spirit of unity and progress.

Don Bosco Technical Institute, Chinchwad, celebrated with a solemn yet vibrant gathering that featured inspiring speeches and songs from the students of the Women in Refinish program and a powerful message from a speaker who defined true independence as the freedom to speak, think, and explore.

Don Bosco Kawant’s twin celebration of the Assumption of Mary and India’s 79th Independence Day blended spiritual devotion and patriotic pride through the solemn celebration of Mass, student-led tributes, and vibrant cultural performances that honored both faith and freedom.

Don Bosco Makarpura’s two-day Independence Day celebration united patriotism, faith, and community spirit through inclusive performances by marginalized children, student-led cultural showcases, Eucharistic celebration and parish festivities that emphasized living freedom with unity, gratitude, and joy.

Don Bosco English Medium School, Savedi, celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with vibrant cultural performances and a powerful skit by Class IX, while the chief guest inspired students with messages on education, girl empowerment, and responsible digital habits.

Don Bosco Academy, Alirajpur, celebrated the Independence Day with spirited performances and a message of unity, earning district-level recognition for their creative tribute and reaffirming their commitment to freedom, harmony, and national pride

Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nashik marked Independence Day with a week of patriotic activities and a stirring celebration consisting of the school’s vibrant cultural performances deepening the students’ commitment to unity, creativity, and everyday patriotism.

Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik, celebrated Independence Day and the Solemnity of the Assumption with prayer, patriotic tributes, and vibrant cultural expressions, blending national pride with spiritual devotion. The day inspired students and parishioners to live as responsible citizens and faithful stewards of hope.

Don Bosco Matunga Oratory celebrated Independence Day and Don Bosco’s birthday with heartfelt performances and reflections on unity, transformation, and citizenship—leaving the children inspired to carry forward his legacy of love, growth, and social impact.

St. Dominic Savio High School, Andheri’s Independence Day celebration blended tradition, creativity, and heartfelt patriotism—from handprint flags and native dishes to student-led tributes and inspiring speeches, the Savion family united in honouring freedom as a daily responsibility and a legacy of hope for future generations.

Shelter Don Bosco’s celebration was a heartfelt tribute to freedom and unity, featuring moving performances, a powerful student speech, and an inspiring address by the Chief Guest who urged young minds to embrace education, technology, and values as tools to shape a brighter future.

St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala commemorated Independence Day with heartfelt tributes, vibrant performances, and inspiring student voices, while honouring academic achievers and alumni. From handprint flags to the Tiranga Chalisa and a street play on addiction, the celebration beautifully blended patriotism, gratitude, and community spirit across generations.

Across the INB Province, India’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with heartfelt patriotism, inspiring messages, and vibrant student-led tributes that honored freedom as both legacy and responsibility.