Keeping the country's interest ahead of self

At a time when self interest is at its high among the people of all walks of life, a pledge festival was organised, involving school and college students who commit themselves to becoming good citizens.

Students from across the country participated in sixth edition of Pledge Festival in their respective institutions taking a pledge of good citizenry. They were a part of ‘Write-Recite-Commit’ campaign. The main function was held in Delhi at Mavalankar Hall.

The students’ pledge in 15 languages and select posters prepared by them on the theme of nationalism were displayed. The festival is celebrated across the country on the third Saturday of January every year when students and members of civil society affirm their love and loyalty to the nation by saying a pledge in their mother tongue to keep the country’s interest paramount in their thoughts, words and action.

The students wrote the pledge in their mother tongues, recited it unison and signed their sheet of affirmation. The festival was led by Build India Group. Dr Rajendra Prasad, Principal, Ramjas College, said most prominent innovators and inventors in the world were always belonging to the younger generation and in India this was not happening as Indian youth were running after material gains.

“Younger generation, which constitutes the largest part of India’s population, should rise and pledge their love and loyalty to the soil so that from among them emerge good statesmen, scientists and litterateurs,”
he said.

“The younger minds have to be sensitised about its duty and responsibility towards the country in accordance with the spirit of Indian constitution,” said Supreme Court Judge Justice A K Patnaik, inaugurating the main programme of the pledge festival.

The event was marked by cultural events by AGDAV Public School, Model Town; Apeejey School, Sheikh Sarai’ and artists of Help & Aids Foundation on nationalism theme. A huge display of graffiti running into 100 meters also showcased the association of various educational institutions across the country.