Sarvodaya Divas

Be the change you want to see in the world. M.K.Gandhi A vow Gandhiji always lived by. A slogan so ablaze with earnest passion, that it continues to remain relevant all these decades after his lifetime. It gives us hope, strength and clarity to win over our limitations and take a stand for what is right. On the afternoon of 1st October 2015, The Indian School-Second Shift celebrated Sarvodaya Divas a humble token of reverence for the Father of our Nation truly, a seamless amalgamation of courage and composure. We also took this occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the Grandparents Day, as an ode to their contribution in our lives. A few volunteers from Gandhi Smriti were also in attendance to motivate us in our modest efforts. The show began with the School choirs solemn rendition of the Gayatri Mantra.

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A volunteer from the Gandhi Smriti addressed the audience with some vivid facets of Gandhijis life and how their ashram still embraces his principles in its peaceful functioning. One of the volunteers Ms. Renu showed us how to spin the charkha, while the school choir sang Bapu's favourite bhajans Vaishnava Jana Toh and Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. The flute soulfully supplemented this visual and aural delight, creating an ambience of pure serenity and bliss. This faded into the next segment, a motion presentation showcasing real footages of Gandhijis Dandi and Swadeshi movements, which played on the projector, overlaid by Tagores spirited yet soothing Ekla Chalo Re. Some Pre-school children impeccably dressed as Rani Laxmibai, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Maulana Azad and Subhash Chandra Bose marched gallantly from amidst the audience led by Bapu himself, as tribute to the fearless freedom fighters. This had the audience break into an appreciative applause! The Grandparents Song followed next, specially composed by our Indian Music Teacher Mr. Amit Vaid, performed by the students of Pre-Primary. It caused some of the audience to get pleasantly teary-eyed, at the sheer affection with which the children sang for their dear nana-nanis and dada-dadis. The event closed with the timeless hymn Abide With Me, presented by our School choir, encompassing the audience in its richness of spiritual gravity. After a vote of thanks, the guests were ushered to the gym area for some Gujarati-styled refreshments: khandvi, hot jalebis and masala chai! The guests confessed to have loved the programme, and went home feeling a sense of harmony. Ms. Upasana Bhattacharya.