Independence Day in Mumbai: Patriotic fervour brings 200 schools on one platform

The schools hold joint celebrations to increase student turnout during such national events. It had celebrated Republic Day too.

In a first, more than 200 schools from across the city came together on Monday to organise celebrations ahead of Independence Day in Bandra. They will organise celebrations on Tuesday too.

College students take a selfie as they get ready Independence Day celebrations in Matunga on Monday. (Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

The schools hold joint celebrations to increase student turnout during such national events. It had celebrated Republic Day too.

The Brihanmumbai Inter-school Republic Day (BIRD) committee, which organised the event comprises schools from Bandra, Santacruz, Andheri, Malad, and, Mazgaon.

One of the features of the event was a performance by the 7th Sikh Regiment Pipe Band. Major General CE Fernandes was the chief guest.

“It’s a rare treat for students to see the band perform,” said Peter Dsouza, convener of the group. “Top officials from the armed forces interacted with the children and it gave them a chance to know more about the services.”

Dsouza added that such interactions instil patriotic fervour among students. “The idea behind such events is to encourage students to not bunk a flag hoisting,” he said.

Schools said that attendance during national holidays had improved since they started holding such joint programmes. The BIRD committee was formed in 2013 for Republic Day celebrations and has since expanded.

“We organise several student-led programmes and that’s why we see increased participation. Along with participants, their friends and relatives too come for the event,” said Father Jude Fernandes, principal, St Mary’s, Mazgaon, SSC.

Earlier this year, the group that was formerly known as the Bandra Inter-school Republic Day committee, organised a Maharashtra Day celebration too. They have had student-led a Republic Day parade in Bandra since 2012.