Independence Day Celebration

NSS team played a supporting role in the Independence Day function of the institute where NCC and IIT security took the responsibility of the main flag-hoisting ceremony of the morning. After hoisting of national flag and singing of national anthem, our Director took guard of honour, conducted oath-taking and delivered his Independence Day speech. He reminded that IIT Kharagpur and the Bhakra Nangal Dam were two of the major initiatives to come alive after we became free in 1947. And the journey at IIT Kharagpur started from a jail where freedom-fighters were held captive. Since then the role played by this institution is immense and he gave a road map of what to come in future. We all feel proud to hear that and take a resolve on this auspicious day to shoulder our responsibility in the nation building work, being humble and sincere.

There was a cultural program after this where school children of campus schools made short but beautiful presentation of patriotic song-and-dance. Each of the three schools involved - St. Agnes' Convent, DAV Model School, and Kendriya Vidyalaya put up a truly fantastic performance, well appreciated by the audience. It was quite a sight to see dozens of adorable children, the future of our country, had worked so hard to put something together. More than what they did, it was the kind of passion they showed that was really remarkable. Of course, their routines were also quite vivid and praiseworthy.

The entire ceremony was conducted with the dignity and discipline it deserved. The function ended with all singing in chorus, "Vande Mataram".

NSS team arranged refreshment of school children during their rehearsal on previous two days as well as today. It was a pleasure and privilege to offer this service to young kids. We made sitting arrangements for our guests of the function. The Independence Day edition of the newsletter was published which can be downloaded from here (Link). Most of the units prepared colourful posters and exhibited them. A disciplined and uniformed NSS volunteers added to the spectacle of the ceremony. We join the rest of the nation in saluting our Heroes who earned freedom for us and take this opportunity to imbibe in us the spirit of sacrifice, service and love for the country. Jai Hind.

In the evening, many of us attended a cultural program at Kalidas Auditorium titled, "India's Urges, India's Future in the Making." This was a joint production of Alumni Association and Students Gymkhana involving larger campus community in its production. To have India's journey from Vedic era to modern times in 90 minutes of narration, song, dance and choreography was an experience by itself. Each of us emerged more proud after the show knowing who we are as a nation and our sincere thanks and gratitude to the organizers to present such a wonderful program on Independence Day evening. The function ended with national anthem.

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We provide below the glimpses of the morning function. We shall populate this space with more pictures as and when they are available from student volunteers.

The preparation