The 71st Independence Day was celebrated by the teachers and children of Phia’s urban slums school located at Madanpur Khadar and Bhowapur with great fervor, enthusiasm and happiness. The preparations for this day started well in advance by the teachers and students of both the schools and the children all excited attended the program dressed in colorful attires. More than 320 children, 7 teachers and parents were a part of the celebration and it was overwhelming to see the enthusiasm of children.
The flag hoisting was followed by National Anthem. Voices shouting in unison “Vande Mataram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Hind” etc. enhanced the patriotic feeling in the hearts of all present there. At Bhowapur Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, Honorary Director, Phia Foundation graced the occasion. Most of the children were aware about the significance of “Independence Day” and knew about our great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and others. It was evident when a student of fifth standard delivered a speech on it. Students sang and danced on patriotic tunes.
The main highlight of the day at both centers was the small play by 8 children from each center titled “Beti Bachao! Beti Padhao!” The play at both the centers conveyed social messages to the spectators. At Madanpur Khadar, the play focused on the need to care of caring for our parents at old age and the contrasting realities. It also showed the love a daughter beholds for her parents reaches way ahead than of the son’s. At Bhowapur, the play conveyed a message about the importance of educating the girl child clearly showing the gender inequality still looming large in our household and in society at large. Both the plays were really an eye opener to all the spectators. Through these plays, children learnt the importance of education and parents were asked to not discriminate their children on the basis of gender.
The celebration ended with distribution of sweets, chocolates and snacks to the children and parents present there. Phia Foundation thanked all the teachers of Madanpur Khadar and Bhowapur for the wonderful arrangements and celebrations and children for their contribution in preparing for the cultural performances.
Overall, it was a colorful, learning and memorable Independence Day for everyone!
