Sunday, 23 August 2015

Independence Day (not the American one, or the movie with Will Smith)

So its Independence Day in India. i've attached a blog which i wrote on behalf of SEDS describing the day. Enjoy!

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August 15th is Independence Day for Indians all across the nation. On this day, India was declared independent from their British occupants. It was just last week that we joined in unity with Indians around the country by celebrating the 69th Independence Day here at SEDS. After a week of practicing, choreographing and rehearsing, the students and teachers here at the school displayed a colourful, vibrant performance to the Joshua family, staff and guests as to what Independence Day meant to them.

The day began with students, teachers, staff and guests dressed in school uniforms and other bright and colourful traditional Indian attire, respectively, standing waiting for our chief guest, Ronny Smet, to arrive. As chief guest, Ronny gave his speech to the crowds reminding them of the past, the present and the hope-filled future for independent India. Jai Hind! Afterwards, the national anthem was sung as the tri-coloured flag was unfurled for all to see.

We all moved towards the marquee, where the stage was set for the students and teachers to present their performances that they’d been working hard on for the past week. As we took our seats under the welcomed shade out of the hot sun, the program began with a ‘welcome’ song from the children. The program continued with a dazzling display of Indian dancing from the students, comedic skits and dramas, a chorus of songs as well as speeches from teachers and students highlighting what Independence Day meant to them. All in all the SEDS school displayed their creativity and skills, their gifts and talents, their confidence in speaking English and ultimately their vibrancy of being Indian to the audience.

At the closure of the program, it was now time for the sports carnival/day to begin. Here the students showed off their athletic prowess in events such as long jump, running races, volleyball and musical chairs. Students were divided into their classes and competed with each other for prizes such as chocolates, lunchboxes and other assorted items.


As it is my first time in India and my first Independence Day celebration, it was such a privilege, pleasure and joy to witness and to participate with Indians here at SEDS to celebrate Independence Day.

the sprint line

in case u were wondering what we eat for breakfast

kids performing a welcome song

bollywood dancing

teachers!!!

1 comment:

  1. Wow what great timing you get to experience Indian Independence Day!!

    ReplyDelete