The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
The 79th Independence Day celebrations at St. Columba’s School embodied this spirit through a morning of heartfelt performances, thoughtful reflections, and an atmosphere brimming with pride. This year, the celebrations were conducted online and live-streamed, ensuring that the spirit of the day reached students, parents, and well-wishers far beyond the school grounds.
The assembly opened with a reflective dialogue on the evolving meaning of freedom, reminding everyone that independence is not just a gift from history, but a responsibility to be honoured and preserved.
The Junior School then began the festivities with a spirited dance performance that transported the audience back to the freedom struggle. Through energetic choreography and expressive storytelling, the young dancers paid tribute to the courage of Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices gave India her independence. They also honoured our soldiers’ unwavering courage in safeguarding India’s freedom through wars and missions on land, sea, and air. Students expressed their commitment to uphold this legacy by staying united, avoiding discrimination, respecting all, keeping surroundings clean, and being responsible citizens who cherish and protect the freedom won with sacrifice.
Following this, the Middle School presented a few deeply symbolic dance and musical performances built around the “Freedom Tree,” a powerful reminder that liberty must be nurtured, protected, and passed on to future generations. This segment also featured a self-composed poem by Hariaksh Maggo, adding a personal and heartfelt note that resonated deeply with the audience.
The Senior School then took the celebrations to their cultural peak. The choir’s stirring rendition of “Saare Jahan Se Acha” united voices in harmony, filling the air with patriotism and pride. Immediately after, the Senior School dancers lit up the stage with a high-energy performance that embodied “movement with purpose,” showcasing India’s unity in diversity through synchronised formations and boundless enthusiasm.
Guiding the audience through this journey of patriotism and artistry were the morning’s hosts: Hariaksh Maggo, Kushagra Mittal, Vedansh Chhikkara, and Arnav Ahuja, whose warmth and eloquence gave the programme its seamless flow.
The morning concluded with an inspiring address by Brother Robert, who urged all to carry forward the spirit of unity, empathy, and service into their everyday lives. The celebrations ended with the resounding chorus of “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!” and the National Anthem, leaving every heart filled with pride for the tricolour and hope for the nation’s future.