Independence Day

Independence day was celebrated by all the institutions of Mahatma Education Society’s Chembur campus on 15th August, 2018 in the ground floor Open area of the Chembur Campus. Students, teachers and staff assembled at 7.30 a.m. sharp. Small paper flags with pins were distributed on arrival for all to pin up on their person.

The Chief Guest of the event was Ms. Jatinder Kaur, Incharge, Mahatma Chembur English High School & Junior College, Day. The Heads of institutions of the campus joined by Deputy C.E.O. Chembur Campus Shri G. T. Ochani escorted the Chief Guest to the stage area. Two NCC cadet pilots marched smartly on either side of the Chief Guest. They were S.Y.B.Com. NCC students dressed in full NCC uniform with caps and guns et-al. The Chief Guest was guided to the flag post and she hoisted the Indian flag. Flower petals drizzled from the flag as it unfurled and fluttered in the gentle breeze. The national anthem was sung followed by the flag song. The NCC cadets presented their parade. They marched past in uniform trailed by the Chembur English School band that played well the march song. The parade was impressive. The leader saluted the flag and the Chief Guest and Marched back to position.

The chief guest Ms. Jatinder Kaur addressed the gathering. She spoke emotionally about the Independence struggle and the value of being free. She questioned our freedom and said that though India is a free nation we are still slaves of several powers that divide us. We fight and kill in the name of religion, caste, creed, race, language. We have to break free from all this and work towards developing India into a truly free, developed nation. She said it was the responsibility of parents, teachers, schools and colleges to take the lead to change the mindset of the youth of India. We have to be the Change we want to See.

Ms. Jatindar Kaur’s speech stirred the audience and they applauded in appreciation filled with emotions. Her message was strong and well received. The cultural events rolled starting with the Chembur English Primary School, Secondary School, Day Junior College, D.Ed. College, Mahatma Night Degree and Junior College and the B.Ed. college. An array of events ranging from a fashion parade to, street plays, skits, dances, speeches and songs all filled the morning with the spirit of patriotism and joy. Mahatma Night Degree College students presented a skit called ‘Civic Awareness for an Independent Nation – Be the Change you want to See’ There were four skits each one with a message. They described the civic problems we are facing. Bad roads, pot holes and waste on the streets; water shortage; ambulance facility for road accidents and power failure in cities. The BMC help line numbers were flashed educating people of their rights. The helpline numbers will help people report the problem they are facing and help authorities address the issues. The students performing were from T.Y.B.Com. and S.Y.B.Com. This was a MNDC’S CMCA Youth wing initiative. The students performed well and the programme was successful. The performances concluded with a dance by the students of the B.Ed. college.

Chocolates were distributed to all present and the students dispersed. The teachers proceeded to room number 401 where C.E.O. and Chairman of Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai Group of Institutions Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai Sir addressed the gathering. Sir spoke about the political scenario and blamed the people and leaders for all the problems we are facing. He emphasized that Education alone will solve our problems and that we have to ensure that free and compulsory education is imparted to children. A delicious traditional Kerala breakfast was served. Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai released a book titled “Value Embedded Life” authored by Dr. Sunita Patawari, Director of EduKids, Tilak Nagar and Senior Professor of Pillai College of Education and Research, Chembur. Dr. Sunita distributed sweets and all congratulated and commended her for authoring a book. The breakfast meeting ended on a joyful note hoping that the conditions in our country will change for the better.