Q1.
What events take place at your school on the Independence Day?
Answer
On 15 August our school hoists the flag, sings the National Anthem, and holds a programme about the freedom struggle.
What happens, step by step.
- Everyone gathers in the ground in lines, in school uniform.
- The chief guest or the head teacher hoists the flag — that is, pulls it up from the bottom of the pole to the top. (On Republic Day the flag is already at the top and is only unfurled. That is the difference between the two days.)
- The National Anthem is sung by everyone together.
- A short speech remembers the freedom fighters — Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose and many whose names we do not know.
- Students give patriotic songs, poems, speeches and a play about the freedom struggle.
- Some schools hold a march past, a drawing competition or a tree-planting.
- Sweets are given out, and often the whole school raises the slogan Jai Hind.
| Independence Day — 15 August | Republic Day — 26 January | |
|---|---|---|
| What we remember | India became free from British rule in 1947 | Our Constitution came into force in 1950 |
| The flag | Hoisted — pulled up the pole | Unfurled — already at the top, opened out |
| Main national ceremony | At the Red Fort, Delhi | On Kartavya Path, Delhi |
Why we still celebrate it: Freedom was not a gift. Many people gave years of their lives, and some gave their lives, so that India could take its own decisions. The day is our thank-you to them.