Indian School Salalah celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October,2024 with great exuberance and reverence, focusing on Mahatma Gandhi's core principles of truth, non-violence, and cleanliness at school premises. The day’s events were thoughtfully curated, engaging students from the Kindergarten, Primary, and Senior sections, each contributing to a heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation. The celebrations aimed to honor the legacy of the leader who brought India true freedom.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar, Vice-Principal Mr. Mammikutty, Assistant Vice-Principals Mr. Vipin Das and Mrs. Anita Rose and Kindergarten in-charge Mrs. Anjali.
The kindergarten section commenced the festivities with a specially organized assembly titled “Follow the Path of Truth.” The programme began with a solemn prayer, followed by a poignant skit that showcased Gandhiji’s teachings in a manner that was simple and accessible for young minds. Approximately 35 KG students participated in the skit, which was accompanied by voiceover narration and intermittent thematic music. The performance concluded with a symbolic garlanding of Mahatma Gandhiji’s portrait and the singing of his favourite devotional song. Adding to the program’s vibrancy was a dance performance set to the patriotic anthem. Additionally, Aditi Bibin, a KG student who holds a national record for performing 22 yoga poses in one minute, gave a remarkable yoga demonstration. The assembly concluded with the National Anthem.
In the Primary section, Classes 1 and 2 came together for an assembly hosted by Class 2 students. The event commenced with a speech by Miss Niyara Rajesh Shetty of Class 2H, followed by a heartfelt dance tribute and a captivating tableau showcasing the values of non-violence, truth and integrity. Assistant Vice Principal Mrs. Anita Rose addressed the students, urging them to embrace and practice the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. She commended the students' efforts and emphasized Gandhiji’s teachings, particularly the message of "See no evil, Speak no evil, Hear no evil" encouraging individuals to refrain from harmful speech, negative influences, and destructive thoughts. These values promote a life rooted in integrity, kindness, and moral responsibility, she added.
In honor of the day, students from Classes 3 and 4 were engaged in classroom creative activities such as coloring and collage-making of Gandhiji’s photo. Class 4 students dressed as freedom struggle volunteers, with Master Abdur Rahman of Class 4C portraying Mahatma Gandhi and Miss Shreebhadra of Class 4A as Kasturba Gandhi. The group visited classrooms, carrying placards adorned with Gandhiji’s quotes, spreading his timeless message. Miss Afifa from Class 3I delivered a thought-provoking speech in Hindi to further inspire her peers.
A special assembly commemorating Gandhi Jayanti was conducted for students of Classes 5 to 8, hosted by students of Class 6. The assembly began with a serene prayer led by the school choir, setting a reflective tone for the occasion. Following the prayer, the news segment was presented, sharing important updates with the everyone gathered.
The main highlight of the assembly was a historic reenactment of the Dandi March, a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence. Master Ankit Prajapati of Class 6B portrayed Mahatma Gandhi, leading the march to break the unjust salt laws—a symbolic act of civil disobedience. He was joined by a group of volunteers carrying placards with powerful messages on intolerance, non-violence, injustice and truth. The performance captivated the audience and brought history to life, reminding everyone of Gandhi's unwavering principles.
Next, Miss Evelin from Class 6H delivered a thoughtful speech in English, emphasizing Gandhi's contributions to peace and justice. This was followed by a speech from Assistant Vice Principal Mr. Vipindas, who highlighted the “United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” and the need to incorporate these global goals into daily life, stressing their relevance for building a sustainable future. He urged students to lead by following Mahatma Gandhiji's example, embracing nonviolence in their interactions, respecting diversity, and making eco-friendly choices.
The assembly continued with a creative and insightful act based on Gandhiji's Three Monkeys, performed by Dhwanit Patel - Class 6A as the monkey symbolizing "See No Evil," Divyansh Dube- Class 6A as "Speak No Evil," and Emad Guchiya - Class 6A as "Hear No Evil." Miss Priyal Pitroda from Class 6B narrated the act in Hindi, explaining the significance of each message, which encourages everyone to adopt moral virtues in their lives. The three monkeys' act embodies timeless wisdom, encouraging people to maintain moral integrity by consciously filtering the negativity they are exposed to. The assembly concluded with the Thought of the Day, which emphasized the importance of patience and tolerance, leaving the students with a powerful message to reflect on Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
The Senior section’s Class 9 students participated in a cleanliness drive under the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” cleaning the school campus. Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar highlighted the significance of cleanliness and encouraged students to make it a part of their daily lives, reflecting Gandhiji’s timeless teachings. On this occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, he urged everyone to renew their dedication to the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. He called upon students to practice personal hygiene and extend this habit to their communities. By doing so, they can uphold Mahatma Gandhiji's belief that 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness,' both in spirit and action.
The event was a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhiji, the great, iconic, and selfless noble soul who gently shook the world, while also fostering a sense of truth, honesty, and cleanliness among the students.