The 78th Independence Day at Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Borivli, was a profound and solemn event, where the spirit of patriotism resonated deeply with all present. The event, held on the morning of 15th August 2024 at 7:30 am, was dedicated to the remembrance of the sacrifices made by India’s national heroes. This year’s celebration was particularly powerful, embodying the ideals of freedom, unity, and the duties of every citizen toward their beloved country.
The program was graced by the presence of the chief guest, Mr. Conan Pinto, a senior official at the Times of India, whose words left a lasting impression on the audience. He was accompanied by the school’s esteemed management team, comprising the Rector, Rev. Fr. Manuel Murzello, the Administrator, Fr. Diego Nunes, along with Fr. Akhil Abraham and Fr. Evangelo D’Souza. The co-ordinators of various sections were also present, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration in all aspects of the school’s functioning.
The celebrations commenced with a stirring performance by students from the primary section. Through a powerful narrative dance, they depicted the injustices faced by weaker sections of society, their artful movements speaking of oppression, resilience, and the eventual triumph of justice. This moving performance set the tone for the morning, reminding all of the sacrifices borne by countless men and women to secure the nation’s independence.
Following this, students from the secondary section took to the stage with a heartwarming patriotic song that served as a tribute to the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. Their voices soared with emotion, celebrating the nameless but tireless individuals who worked silently yet mightily for the nation’s progress.
In his address, Mr. Conan Pinto captivated the audience with a speech that resonated deeply with the day’s theme. He spoke of the “path of discourse and resolution,” acknowledging that it can be fraught with challenges but emphasizing that persistence is key to finding lasting solutions. In a world that sometimes leans towards violence and discord, he urged all present to uphold democratic values and foster peace. His words were a call to action, urging the audience to build the nation on the cornerstones of love, brotherhood, and integrity in every sphere of life. Mr. Pinto also invoked the idea of the nation’s “five ornaments”: health, wealth, crops, happiness, and security, explaining that these form the bedrock of a truly flourishing society.
The morning’s fervor only heightened with a stirring patriotic dance performed by the secondary section, which sparked a strong sense of pride and devotion in the audience. Their well-coordinated moves, symbolic gestures, and vibrant energy brought to life the passion that flows within every true patriot.
A particularly thought-provoking moment came when a student from the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) and another from the secondary section took the stage to deliver speeches on what it means to be a true citizen of a free India. Their words, filled with a youthful idealism, awakened the audience to their duties and responsibilities. They reminded their fellow students that the freedom they enjoy today came at a high cost, and it is up to each citizen to honor that legacy through actions that contribute positively to the nation’s growth.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all those who contributed to making the program a success. The vote of thanks also paid tribute to the tireless freedom fighters, without whom the gathering would not have been possible.
As the tricolor waved proudly against the morning sky, the 78th Independence Day celebrations at Don Bosco High School and Junior College stood as a reminder of the country’s past, present, and the promises of its future—a future that, as the chief guest emphasized, must be built on values that unify and elevate every citizen.
