It isn’t every day that you have the honour of watching your students marching in a republic day parade alongside 4000 other
students from 25 city schools in the esteemed presence of a Vice Admiral,
Commanding Officer and other high
ranking officials from the Indian Army, Navy and the AirForce; And that is the reason this Republic Day
shall remain one of my most spectacular experiences as a Principal and an
Educator. One hundred students from grade 3 to 9 of Billabong High International
School (BHIS), Santacruz marched from Bandstand towards Taj Lands End at 7 a.m.
The entire parade was cheered on by parents, teachers and onlookers; the
atmosphere, rife with patriotic fervour reminiscent of the Delhi Republic Day
parade. (Read more here)
The entire concept captivated me when it was first
presented by BIRD (Brihanmumbai
Inter-school Republic Day) Committee, which has been organising the
parade since the past two years. This year, the floats made by schools,
represented the Indian culture, Unity In diversity, Save the Environment, Make in India theme and Compassion towards Animals. There were
spectacular displays of Fire Brigade equipment, Natural Disaster Response Force
Equipment and kiosks with Defence artillery. It was the first time that BHIS
had participated. Singling out any particular standout moment will be difficult
but I was mesmerised with the display of
missiles by air defence unit of army, the fire brigade display, truck floats
which carried messages of animals and habitats and not being cruel to animal. There
were horse riders, cyclists, marchers, bands and cultural float teams spreading
eco-friendly messages as a synchronised team. Stalls from army, navy, air
forces, were set up to showcase armed forces of the country. 
Along with army and
other series the NCC boys and girls inspired our students. For the first time,
they were reviewed by a 3 star admiral. They went to INS Hamla for watching
their parade, arranged by the BIRD committee to inspire them and one man, the
convenor, Mr. Peter D'souza, needs a special mention, who was tireless and on
the move, bringing this mammoth event its grand finale! Our students had one of
the most enriching experiences with the long marching practices by Army (NCC
wing) officers collaborating with other school children from 24 schools and
playing the band. We showcased unity in diversity through our cultural float.
Varied dance forms from diverse regions of the wonderful kaleidoscope of
colours that is India were showcased with fusion of Kashmiri, Marathi, Punjabi,
Rajasthani, Manipuri, Bengali and Mohini Aattam dances, culminating in joyous
tribute to motherland.
The objective of
this parade was to create a sense of patriotism amongst all students and to
create an awareness of our Armed Forces, the ultimate protectors of our Nation.
This year’s focus was also on being resolute citizens
standing up to evil forces that intend to disrupt the progress and peace
of our country.
The theme of the parade was aptly coined ‘Proud
to be an awakened Indian’. Never before has it been so imperative to stress the
importance of being an ‘awakened citizen’. To acknowledge our shortfalls, work
together at resolving them and to strive together in raising a generation that
celebrates differences as much as it tolerates them! That is when we will truly
bring about Unity in Diversity – when each is groomed to lead conscientiously
across communities. We need to start young and use as many such opportunities
to celebrate aberrations, our peculiarities to not only give the confidence to
our youth to stay true to themselves but also reciprocate empathetically when
they go on to lead in the future.
NEARLY ALL MEN CAN STAND ADVERSITY, BUT
IF YOU WANT TO TEST A MAN"S CHARACTER, GIVE HIM POWER - Abraham Lincoln
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