Independence Day Celebration at Deepalaya

Despite having limited resources, our staff in the learning centers and schools, celebrate national days with a lot of enthusiasm. Independence Day was celebrated at all the locations on 14^th August except Deepalaya School, Kalkaji Extension, Gusbethi and Deepalaya Childrens’ home, where flag hoisting was done on 15^th August. There were children dancing, singing patriotic songs and speeches. Here are a few snippets:

Deepalaya Sanjay Colony Learning Center: The 71^st Independence Day of India was celebrated in Sanjay colony Learning center with a lot of excitement and hope. The children put up a spectacular program consisting of Speeches, talks about the significance of the Day, their dreams and aspirations for the future. There were patriotic songs presented with actions, dances and plays. All were excited and wanted to come upstage and present their thoughts. The teachers too sang different thought provoking and songs of bravery for the children. The highlight of the day was Ms Shanti (the Russian Art teacher) singing  “ echak dana, echak dana, dane upar dana…….”. It will be a day to be remembered and cherished by the children for days to come.

Deepalaya SDMC School: At the SDMC school, the day was little different as the children never celebrated the occasion at such a large scale. They were enthusiastic as their teachers have been preparing them for the last few days. The function started with welcome speech of Ms. Abha, project coordinator. She then requested the school Principal, Ms. Shameema Shakeel, Mr. AJ Philip, secretary & Chief Executive and Ms. Jaswant Kaur, Director CRM to hoist the flag. After flag hoisting, National Anthem was sung. We could see the pride that children took in singing the National Anthem. The program kick started with the tiny tots coming up stage showcasing different shapes. They looked so cute as they said, “I am a circle”, I am a triangle and I have three sides” and so on. Soon the children presented a group song and a group dance. What impressed the most was the speech given by Master Harshit, Class IV student. The boy was so confident as he spoke in flawless English and introduced the entire program. Shri A J Philip, secretary & CE, Deepalaya spoke high about children. He recalled his school days. Another activity that attracted everyone’s attention was the play “hamare moulik adhikar”. Even small kids might have understood that they have right to education irrespective of their gender and so on. The occasion was also used to distribute prizes to the winners of calligraphy competition held during July 2017. Some of the students who had 100 per cent and above 90 per cent attendance were also given awards to motivate others to follow suit. Towards the end, Ms. Abha Kapila, took a pledge that “I and my staff with the students of the school take a pledge. We are doing, we will do and we will be doing and surely will reach our highest learning goal.” Children enjoyed the function to the hilt. Their joy doubled when they got one choco pie, a packet of frooti and banana each.

Deepalaya Learning Center Gole Kuan: The day was celebrated with a great gaiety. Little kids enjoyed the day by waving Tricolor National flag, recited short poems & sang patriotic songs with their teachers. Students from IInd onwards sang our National song and a few patriotic songs like Taqat watan ke hum se hain, Hind desh ke niwasi, Ao bachcho tumhe dikhaye etc to pay tribute to our great National leaders, delivered speeches about some freedom fighters & their sacrifices. Students showed respect to our National Flag, they were told about the importance of the day & why all Indians celebrate this particular day with great pride. Students also drew National Flag and why it has three colours, prepared charts, decorated class rooms & the funnel boards.

Ramditti J R Narang Deepalaya Learning Center: Children, teachers and all the staff members of Ramditi J. R. Narang Deepalaya Learning Centre (RJRND) at Sheikh Sarai celebrated Bharat Parv from 18^th July to 14^th of August through various activities. During this period, children were informed about different aspects related to our country according to their age group. Different charts were prepared and displayed in the assembly area. Children were informed about the mythological and social significance of some festivals viz-a-viz., Teej, Raksha bandhan, Janmastami etc. Girls of ASHA and FADA unit actively participated in activities like making and colouring of Rakshasutra and National Flag. Mrs. Asha Narang (Ramditti J. R. Narang Trust) distributed sweets and Samosa on 10^th of August among the learning centre children. The students of VTC (computer) and remedial units (class I-IX) enthusiastically participated in the quiz competition, held on 11^th August. One pen and a pack of 250 grams of Matar Dal (donated by Mrs. Vasudha Bajoria) were given to each of them. Special assembly was conducted on 14^th of August to celebrate the completion of 70 years of independence. Mrs. Vasudha Bajoria of Sadhna Enclave was present to grace the occasion as chief guest. Later her husband Mr. Mohit also joined the celebrations. She was very happy to see the sincere and active participation of the children as they performed patriotic songs, dance and recalled the slogans of our freedom fighters. A pledge was taken by all with a patriotic pride. A Class II student Arjun Kumar led this oath-taking ceremony. Light refreshments were distributed to all. The assembly ended with a vote of thanks from the headmistress Dr. Sangita Sen, followed by the national anthem.

Deepalaya School, Gusbethi: The day was celebrated with fervor. Mr. Manoj Kumar NJ School Principal, Mr. Inderjeet Kumar, headmaster and two of our ex-students Nazma  and Sarila, who passed out 8th class, jointly hoisted the flag. Mr. Manoj Kumar gave the welcome speech. After that many cultural programmes were performed by students. Students sang patriotic songs for our great leaders and freedom fighters. The function ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Menon.

The day was also celebrated by Deepalaya Loesche Learning Center, Deepalaya learning centers, North-west Delhi and Education on Wheels.