78th INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
“The light of India has been obscured for centuries, but it is going to shine forth again in its original splendor.” – Subash Chandra Bose.
Lourdes Central School celebrated 78th Independence Day on Thursday, 15th August 2024 at 8.00a.m. at LCS Grounds. The dignitaries present on this momentous occasion were the Chief Guest Col. Kashyap Krishnan, Army Recruiting Office, Mangaluru, the Manager Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha, the Principal Rev. Fr Johnson L Sequeira, the Vice Principals Ms Belita Mascarenhas and Ms Anita Thomas, Mr Ashok Pinto, Vice President and Secretary Ms Cynthia Avitha Pinto, Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, Rev. Fr Arul Joseph, Head Boy Adesh Rao and Head Girl Diya N Yashodar escorted by the school band led by Shreya A R, and received the Guard of Honour from the scouts and Guides.
The programme began with the hoisting of the tricolour flag, a beacon of our history, our heritage, and our hope for a bright future by the dignitaries. The prayer song titled ‘Chattan’ was sung by the school choir. Sathwi Shetty of class VII welcomed the gathering. Ms Dilla Colaco introduced the Chief Guest Col. Kashyap Krishnan, a person whose remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to his work embody the spirit of our independence. The Manager Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha and the Principal Rev. Fr Johnson L. Sequeira felicitated the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest Col. Kashyap Krishnan shared his reflections on the occasion of 78th Independence Day. At the outset Col. Krishnan expressed that the students of LCS were the torch bearers of our nation’s future. He said that the freedom India got from our forefathers like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose was not free. He specified that we as citizens need to be loyal to our country and this will make us patriotic. He highlighted that every single day soldiers are guarding our borders to ensure peace for all our citizens. He stated that as technology is at our hand today, we need to use it as an enabler, wisely. He reiterated that students study hard and be united breaking the barriers of caste and creed. Col. Krishnan wished everyone a very happy Independence Day.
This was followed by a patriotic song – a medley of Ae Watan, Kandose and Vande Mataram sung by the school choir.
The Manager Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha spoke on the occasion and wished everyone a festive celebration on the occasion of 78th Independence Day. He said that we need to reflect in a deeper manner to build a healthy and prosperous society. Women need to be respected and freedom should be truly enjoyed by them in every field. We have to put the right spirit into the hearts and minds of students to respect the girl child. Then our nation will be a dignified nation and rise above to noble heights.
A skit was enacted by the students of classes VI to VIII depicting the message of freedom, courage and unity; and a wonderful classical performance filled with patriotism and love for the nation. The National Pledge was led by the Head Girl Diya N Yashodar which reminded us of our responsibility towards our country and motherland.
On this beautiful Independence Day celebration, Manuella Chacko of class XI expressed gratitude to everyone present. To conclude the celebration on a high note, the National Anthem was sung as a reminder of the freedom and unity we cherish as a nation. The programme was compered by Deva Nanda Baburaj and Pranav Singh Rawat of class XII.
