by Mehtab Shinde
PUNE, AUG 16, 2017: The staff and students of Don Bosco High School, Pune used skits and dances to mark the 70th year of India's Independence on August 15.
Father Michael Bansode, the Rector, was the chief guest and hoisted the National Flag, while the National anthem was sung. Sai Sonawane, a student of standard eight, then delivered the Independence Day speech. Ranraj Kaur, a teacher, from Junior college, melodiously sung "Ae mere watan ke logon..." evoking sentiments towards the Indian soldiers.
Students of standard eight portrayed the contrasting picture of our nation in their skit, which left the audience thinking whether we are truly free. Equally spectacular was the theme-dance by the students that depicted the execution of our freedom fighters.
"Most of the things that we have seen today are under the title of sacrifice that speaks about our freedom struggle as well. Independence being the fundamental right of every nation, calls for the use of it in the right spirit. We need to emulate Mahatma Gandhi as our role model. We need to uphold the spirit of secularism and respect the preamble of our constitution," Father Bansode said.
"It was so mesmerising. For an instance I felt I am actually in the era of Independence. My eyes were welled up," Nayan Rathod, a student of standard 12, said.