by Janet D'Souza
MUMBAI, August 20, 2018: 'The flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.'
Class 9B of Don Bosco High School, Matunga animated the school assembly on India's Independence Day, August 15, on the theme 'We salute the Real Heroes', paying respects to the soldiers who fight for their country.
It began with the hoisting of the national flag by the chief guests for the day, Ramakrishnan's, parents of Karthik Ramakrishnan; and Nair's, parents of Aakash Nair who were the school SSC toppers for the year 2017-18.
The three school troops, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Road Safety Patrol (RSP), scouts, as well as the junior cubs, escorted the chief guests and the SSC merit holders to the gym area, as the school band played.
The assembly began with the chief guests being felicitated. Krish Fernandes, Hussain and Laxmiraj sang to the tune of 'Aae Watan', creating a somber ambience. Hussain gave the speech on the 72nd Independence Day.
A skit, based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, the courageous soldier whose actions on the battlefield transcended heroism, was enacted. Batra as a child was inspired by the stories of great leaders, his father would tell him. He gave up a lucrative job in the merchant navy to join the Indian Army.
As a lieutenant in the 13 Jammu and Kashmir rifles battalion, he played a pivotal role in the capture of point 5140, an important mountain peak in Dras sector. He was then promoted to the rank of a captain. As a captain, he was in charge of recapturing point 4875, the most difficult warfare campaign undertaken during the Kargil War, where he fought like a hero until his last breath.
His father Girdhari Lal Batra received the Param Veer Chakra for his deceased son by the President of India, K R Narayanan on January 26, 2000- India's Republic Day. The skit was followed by a dance to a mash up of patriotic songs.
Father Crispino D'Souza, Rector of the school, congratulated the class and as a reflection questioned the audience, "Was it necessary that we had to lose such a young talented man like him? Was it necessary for him to die? No, if only we can live in brotherhood and peace! We do not do enough to foster peace because of vested interests and false precedence, precious lives are lost," Father D'Souza, said.
"Vikram did not follow the flow. With the amount of information on social media, our mind is swayed. We need to have a mind of our own. Vikram had the courage to tell his father that he won't join the merchant navy, but follow his dream of serving his country. We need more people like Vikram Batra who are passionate in what they like, " Father D'Souza added.
Boys who represented the school at the dance competition held at St. Mary's Immaculata, performed for the audience. The SSC toppers for the year 2017-18 were then felicitated.
The chief guests addressed the gathering by thanking the school management and teachers for their hard work and dedication. Nair advised students to take part in all activities for holistic growth. Ramakrishnan said, "Don't get swayed away with what you see in the world. There are a lot of vocations available. Follow your heart. Follow your passions, and you will succeed in life."
Father Bernard Fernandes, the Principal, thanked the class of 9B for conducting the assembly, the troops for the guard of honour along with their teachers in-charge. He thanked the chief guests for sharing their thoughts, which were pearls of wisdom, which each student should imbibe. He appreciated the efforts of the school toppers, who worked responsibly. He also commended the efforts of the people who worked behind the scenes including the boys who put up the backdrop for the programme.