INDIAN SCHOOL SALALAH CELEBRATED 150^th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

“Peace is the most powerful weapon of mankind. It takes more courage to take a blow than to give one.” said Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated by the entire nation of India to commemorate the 150thbirth anniversary of the father of the nation. Indian School Salalah celebrated the occasion with great zeal, enthusiasm and patriotism.  It was a sincere effort by the students at all levels to give a deep insight into the life and times of Gandhiji and encouraged them to think about his visions. The occasion was graced by the Principal Mr Deepak Patankar, Vice Principal Dr S. Srinivasan, Assistant Vice Principal (Middle School) Mrs Ananthalakshmi, Mrs. Anita Rose (Primary in charge), Mrs. Reenu Davis (KG in charge), Heads of Departments and teachers.

The programme commenced by invoking the blessings of the Almighty with the prayer song sung by ‘Humko Man Ki Shakthi Dana’, written by Vasant Desai. Miss Nicole of class VIII welcomed the gathering. Miss Minahil of class VIII delivered a speech which highlighted the principles and values that Gandhiji strived to inculcate in the society. This was followed by an interesting quiz on Gandhiji’s life conducted by Miss Valencia and Miss Mathivdhani of class VII that captured the audience. The skit presented by the students of class VI conveyed a clear message that all are equal and untouchability is inhuman. Next, the choir sang Gandhiji’sfavouriteBhajan ‘Vaishava Jana to TeneKahiye-’written by Narsi Mehta.

On this momentous occasion, the school witnessed the grand inauguration of the fine arts club during the recess in the quadrangle of the school. In the white cloth banner that was put across, the young artists of the school gave vent to their artistic ability by drawing portraits of Gandhi on the white banner with the tri colour of the national flag, which a visual treat to the onlookers. Another highlight on this occasion was the solar bulb made by class XII students, which they made from the solar kit sent by the Indian embassy.

In the upper primary, the celebration commenced by evoking God’s blessing with a prayer song rendered by the Primary school choir followed by the ‘Thought for the day’ and ‘Gandhi Jike Do priye Shabdh’. Miss. Hamna Nishtar, Miss. Hanna Anna Alex and Miss. Surya Unikrishnan of class 4 G spoke on the occasion and highlighted the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi towards the Indian freedom struggle. The symbolic Dandi march by the students of class IV stole the hearts of the audience. It made the students understand the importance of  the Salt Satyagraha in the Indian struggle for independence. The vibrant students of class IV then danced with joy to the tune of the song ‘Ainakpehne’.Classes III and IV choir team enthralled the audience by singing  ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’ one of the favourite songs of Mahatma Gandhi.

The celebration by Kindergarten & Lower primary started with the invocation to the Almighty.  The blooming buds of UKG and Classes I&II moved the audience by their melodious singing. The tiny tots of UKG and Class II spoke on the importance of this national festival. India’s patriotic songs and dances always unfold many untold stories of the whole nation and its struggle to attain freedom. The Students of Classes I&II mesmerized the audience as they danced to the beat and rhythm of a melodious patriotic song. The life of Mahatma Gandhi was beautifully depicted highlighting the important incidents like Quit India movement and Salt Satyagraha.

Principal Mr Deepak Patankar in his address appreciated the students for their wonderful performance. He requested the teachers to talk about Gandhiji’s principles to the students and appealed to  practice his  principles every day in life. He also said that today’s students are going to be the future of the nation and they can bring a change in the society. The Primary Incharge Mrs. Anita Rose in her address emphasized that violence is not the solution to all the problems and the students should learn from Mahatma Gandhi and follow the path of Non Violence.

The school has planned year long activities to celebrate the 150^th birth anniversary. The celebrations today left a very positive impact on the students and the entire school felt the essence of Gandhiji’s presence.

The programme culminated with the National Anthem