Saint John’s Academy Celebrates Republic Day 2025

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The air vibrated with patriotic fervor as Saint John’s Academy marked India’s 76th Republic Day on a crisp, bright January morning in 2025. Students, faculty, and staff gathered on the school grounds, eager to honor the day that cemented India’s identity as a sovereign, democratic republic. The program, a thoughtful blend of tradition and insightful reflections, left an indelible mark on everyone present.

The proceedings commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag, a moment met with solemn respect and a chorus of spirited cheers. As the tricolor fluttered against the azure sky, a sense of unity and national pride permeated the gathering. This was followed by a soulful prayer by Sparsh Yadav, setting a tone of reverence and gratitude for the nation’s blessings.

The first speaker of the day was the Head Boy, Vijjwal Singh. In his articulate and impactful speech, delivered in English, Vijjwal emphasized the significance of Republic Day as a culmination of India’s long journey to freedom and self-governance. He reflected on how, after years of colonial rule, India had finally stepped into its own to become a Republic. Vijjwal reminded his fellow students that the freedoms they enjoy today are a direct result of the sacrifices made by their forefathers and that the journey toward building a better India continued. He underscored that the essence of celebrating Republic Day lay in acknowledging the need to actively protect and preserve their hard-earned freedom. He reminisced about the cold, foggy mornings of previous years’ Republic Day celebrations, contrasting them with the clear sky and bright sunlight on this occasion. Vijjwal then drew an analogy between the weather and India’s socio-political climate, noting that it too had become warmer, highlighting the importance of remembering the significance of the day. He also questioned the importance of the day as they already celebrated independence, pointing out that it was the forefather’s plan for India that was implemented on this day and integrated into the mainstream, which highlights the need to celebrate the day. He also pointed out that independence gave way to a free hand, and a free hand led to the constitution, the essence of the need to celebrate the day. He concluded by emphasizing that freedom alone didn’t guarantee a democracy’s survival and that it was the collective resilience of the population and the vision of the constitution makers that did. He mentioned the words of the lawyer, Araghya Sengupta, emphasizing that trusting in its citizens makes a constitution strong. And he finally said that it was the celebration of the beauty of restraint, which was practiced by our forefathers that is an essence to celebrate this day.

The vibrant performance by the NCC cadets followed Vijjwal’s speech. The group presented a heart-stirring patriotic song, infusing the atmosphere with zeal and a sense of shared identity. The cadets’ coordinated movements and passionate vocals resonated with the audience, leaving a feeling of deep respect for the nation.

Next up was Samriddhi Keshari, who delivered her Hindi speech with grace and fervor. Samriddhi’s speech delved deep into the spirit and meaning of the Indian Constitution. She eloquently recounted the history of India’s struggle for freedom, emphasizing how the nation’s leaders painstakingly framed a constitution that would address the needs of all citizens equally. She touched upon the ideals of justice, equality, and freedom of expression, explaining how the document had not only liberated India but also empowered the diverse population. Samriddhi highlighted the importance of cherishing the constitution and upholding its principles in our daily lives. She also noted that the day wasn’t special just because the constitution was implemented on it, but because of the ‘Purna Swaraj Sankalp’ that the freedom fighters had taken in 1930. She reminded everyone of their duty to live up to the vision set forth by the leaders and ensure that India becomes a nation of justice, faith, and freedom, and that their voices could be heard anywhere. She talked about the importance of brotherhood and moving forward together, which is mentioned in the constitution and should always be strived for. She reminded everyone of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, who gave up their lives so that we can be free, and that their memories should be honored. She then concluded with a quote by Atal Bihari Vajpayee that India is not just a piece of land but a living being. That India is a land that is worthy of praise, and that we all would do anything for this country and die for it if we had to. And that even after our death, when the ashes flow in the Ganges, only the words “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” will be heard.

The program then moved to the words of Principal Dr. Zareen Rizvi. In her address, Dr. Rizvi lauded the students for their thoughtful participation and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to instilling a sense of national pride and civic responsibility. She spoke eloquently, addressing the students, management, and staff. She urged everyone to pause to celebrate the achievements of the country, and the values it was built upon, as well as to honor the adoption of the constitution, an important document that empowered each citizen with dignity, equality and freedom. She pointed out that the children today were the citizens of tomorrow and hence play a vital role in shaping the future of India, reminding them that the nation was built on the sacrifices of many brave individuals. She urged the current generation to contribute to the nation’s progress with sincerity and dedication. She then broke down the word “Republic”, explaining that each letter stood for some key values. R stood for Responsibility, E for Equality, P for Progress, U for Unity, B for Bravery, L for Liberty, I for Integrity, and finally C for Compassion, explaining that they were the building blocks of a good citizen and a strong nation. She asked everyone to reflect on how they can carry forward this legacy, and to make India stronger, kinder, more inclusive and innovative. She further implored the students to remember that whatever they do now, be it at school, home, or the community, is going to lay a foundation for the India of tomorrow. Dr. Rizvi then thanked everyone for attending the function in spite of the odds, and acknowledged everyone who helped make the day a success. She ended with a call to remember what was taught to them and to make everyone proud.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the anchor, Asmita. She expressed her appreciation to all participants, guests, and staff for their contributions in making the day a memorable success. Her concluding remarks encapsulated the spirit of the day – a blend of historical reflection, patriotic fervor, and a commitment to building a better India.

The Republic Day celebration at Saint John’s Academy in 2025 was more than just a ceremonial event; it was a powerful reminder of the values and principles that define India. The day instilled in the students a sense of belonging and responsibility as future leaders of the nation. The blend of speeches, patriotic songs, and the flag hoisting ceremony created a vibrant display of national pride. The school community left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to work towards a stronger, more prosperous India.