Staying united in spirit

Freedom Fiesta

Jyoti Nivas College celebrated Independence Day in style.  The celebrations began with an invocation by Sister Louisa Sebastian, Principal, Jyoti Nivas Pre-University.

This was followed by a welcome address by Sister Elizabeth, Principal I/C of Jyoti Nivas Degree College. The chief guests were Air Commodore Ravi Dhar, VSM Deputy Director General NCC directorate (Karnataka and Goa) and Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Bangalore.

Welcoming the chief guests, Sister Elizabeth said, “It is the duty of the upcoming generations of India to see that all the social evils that infest our society are weeded out. Justice to all and equality are not mere ideals — they are values by which every citizen must live.

Today, while we remember our great martyrs and leaders of the freedom struggle, we must also make an effort to ensure that their sacrifices don’t go in vain. We should deliver freedom for each and every child of our motherland.”

This was followed by a rendition of Galat Math Kadam Uthao, a patriotic song by the NCC students.  The Indian music team of the college recreated the magic of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara on the stage.

Alok Kumar addressed the gathering after this performance and said, “We must know the price that our great leaders paid for us to lead a good life. We live peacefully because our para-military forces lose their lives. We all have a responsibility towards our society and nation.”  He added, “Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country.”

The students of the degree college also staged Mahesh Dattani’s Final Solutions, which underlined the need for strength in our secular country and also a need for communal harmony.

The Indian dance troupe performed to the tunes of Vande Mataram adding to the patriotic spirit. The choir presented a fusion of different melodies.  Adding to the cultural extravaganza was the Western dance team, the members of which, grooved to some lively tunes.

Ravi Dhar faced the crowd with a lot of enthusiasm and patriotism.  He said, “We are slaves to indiscipline. We need to achieve unity, discipline and righteousness. This can be attained only through education.

The only weapon to bring harmony, unity, tolerance and power to keep us disciplined is education. The power that we have inside should be displayed outside. Before you do anything, give it prior thought, as to whether it is right and if it will benefit the society in any way.” The programme was concluded with a rendition of the National Anthem, led by the choir, which had the whole gathering joining in.