Keekli Reporter, 15th August, 2018, Jaipur
Independence Day was celebrated at St. Thomas Sr. Secondary School Girdharipura campus as Mahaveer Chakra awardee, the Kargil war hero Digendra Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest, who was warmly welcomed by the School Chairman Rev. Father Biju Daniel, Secretary Shahji Thomas, Trustee Gee Verghese, School Principal Sonal Sharma, Vice Principal Punamma Mathai, Coordinator Soye Daniel and Headmistress Nivedita Doegar. Other distinguished members of the Managing Committee and parents of the school students were also present to witness the event.
The flag hoisting was done by the chief guest Digendra Singh. The four houses of the school presented a March Past as the guard of honour was taken by the chief guest. The Chairman and the Principal in their addresses spoke about Indian Independence and the great sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, many of whom lost their lives. They said that with rights come the duties towards our country — to keep it united, to practice that we all are one, and to keep the country clean. Cleanliness is next to heavenliness so we should keep our country clean and make it a heaven. They said that Independence doesn’t mean hooliganism and not abiding by the laws of the land, it means to live like civilized people and obey all the rules and regulations.
Chief guest, the Kargil war hero, Digendra Singh, who belongs to Rajasthan spoke about his ambush with the Pakistan army and how he along with other soldiers defeated them. He showed the bullet marks on his body and mentioned the fact that he killed 48 Pakistani soldiers and hoisted the Indian Flag after the victory. For his daring feat he has been awarded the Mahaveer Chakra. Everybody sitting in the arena was spell bound by his speech as he gave an account of the happenings of that particular day of the war. He gave an inspirational speech to the children and told them to inculcate in themselves ‘love’ and ‘respect’ for the country and the soldiers who are selflessly fighting the enemies and guarding the borders 24×7 for their safety.
A cultural programme was presented by the school students — group songs, dances, dumb bell drill, skit, etc., were performed beautifully. Highlight of the programme was a skit on the real meaning of freedom.
The Principal offered the vote of thanks and the function ended with the national anthem.
