“Dushmano ki goliyon ka samana karenge, azad hi rahe hain, azad hi rahenge!”— As the sun dawned the 15th of August 2025, marking the 79th Independence Day of our nation, these stirring words of Chandrashekhar Azad echoed in my mind. They carried me back to the previous day’s vibrant and spirited celebrations at our school.
The Independence Day festivities began with great fervour. After the solemn opening, we sought the blessings of the Almighty for our beloved nation. In a moving tribute, two NCC cadets marched with precision to the portrait of St. John Bosco and offered a heartfelt salute, symbolizing loyalty and gratitude to our Alma Mater. The Salesians then paid a floral homage to St. John Bosco. Our respected Principal, Rev. Fr. Sujith Augustine SDB, addressed the gathering with his inspiring words, reminding us of our responsibilities as students and citizens of India and the entire audience took a pledge to keep our country green and clean.
The celebrations took an exciting turn when our respected Rector and Manager, Rev. Fr. Binny Isaac SDB, unveiled the Bosconian 2024–2025, the school magazine of the previous academic session. The first copy was proudly presented to Ms. Anupama Kumar, whose dedication shines as she has not missed a single school day in three consecutive years. Copies were also handed to the Salesians, along with the student and staff editors.
Then came a burst of cultural brilliance. A melodious choir filled the air with a medley of patriotic songs that stirred our souls. This was followed by a thought-provoking skit, reminding us that India’s freedom was won not only by well-known heroes but also by countless unsung ones. As Lal Bahadur Shastri rightly said, “The preservation of freedom is not solely the duty of the soldier alone. The whole nation has to be strong!”
An audiovisual presentation on Viksit Bharat showcased the dream of a progressive India, while a patriotic dance captured the spirit of sacrifice and valour of our armed forces. The celebration then shifted to honour the Father and Friend of the Youth, St. John Bosco, whose birth anniversary would be observed on the 16th of August. The mellifluous choir, led in a delightful surprise by our own Administrator, Rev. Fr. Bimal Marcus SDB, offered a harmonious tribute to Don Bosco.
Finally, with hearts swelling with pride, the entire auditorium rose to sing the National Anthem in unison – an electrifying conclusion to an unforgettable celebration.
As the flashback dims, a message burns, bright and clear; gone are the days of the past, of the sword and blood. We achieved our independence 79 years ago, but struggles still lie ahead of us, and we must rise to the challenges that befall our motherland. We must fight to preserve what our ancestors fought for, with pain, blood, courage and sacrifice- India’s Freedom!
Jai Hind!
Qasim Abbas, IX-C