Independence Day celebrations at schools go online

The online space is the only medium left to celebrate the event. To ensure that the students witness a flag hoisting, some schools are hosting taped recording for the students. “A few teachers and I are going to school a day in advance and filming the flag-hoisting so that students can see it. There are rules on the day that you cannot hoist the flag before the Prime Minister does, so we are trying to get it done beforehand. It is important that the children see it at 9 am along with the rest of the nation,” said Reena Alfred, principal, Alpha School, CIT Nagar.

Independence day is a chance to give back to the nation, and some schools hope to continue their annual charitable events during this time. “We will be planting a tree and distributing groceries to the needy at our school premises along with the Lions Club today. Not only is it an annual tradition, but also such acts are all the more necessary at this time. The children need to know that good can continue through difficult times, and this is a wonderful teaching opportunity for that,” said T Shekar, headmaster at a school in Arumbakkam. Cultural events and competitions will also be held online. Students have prepared dances and songs, as well as presentations on freedom fighters in advance, which will be edited and played to the many classes on Saturday morning.

“We see a lot more initiative from the students now. Before, only a select number of students would perform on independence day, but this year, everyone is contributing,” said Alfred.