JOSEPH VARGHESE

DOHA INDIAN schools in Qatar celebrated the country’s 63rd Republic Day with flag hoisting ceremonies and special programmes on its school premises on Thursday.

A large number of students, teachers, parents and volunteers took part in the events which were colourful and full of patriotic fervour.

The MES Indian School — the largest Indian school in Qatar — celebrated the occasion with festive spirit.

More than 4,000 students, parents, teachers, well-wishers and members of the school’s governing body gathered in the boys’ section of the auditorium.

The school’s acting president and chief guest VV Mahmood hoisted the Indian tricolour and paid homage to the country’s great heroes and martyrs. “Our constitution promises democracy, sovereignty, secularism and adult franchise which is enjoyed by every Indian today.

It is the day that every Indian takes a pledge to uphold and sustain those values which are essential for peaceful coexistence and economic prosperity,” Mahmood said.

General Secretary A Shamsuddeen and Principal AP Sasidharan were also present on the occasion. The school’s choir presented two patriotic songs along with group dances which staged a tableau highlighting the sacrifice of the country’s hundreds of thousands of martyrs.

At the Birla Public School, the national flag was hoisted by CV Rappai, the school’s chairman, in presence of Vice-Chairman Lukose K Chacko, ICBF President Nilangshu Dey, life-time member Bhullar, Principal AK Shrivastav, school faculty members and students.

Rappai, in his speech, highlighted the trials and determination of the freedom fighters. He also praised the teachers’ efforts to instill moral values in the present generation.

Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS) students celebrated India’s Republic Day with a colourful parade and patriotic dance on the school ground. The celebrations showcased the students’ pride in the country’s landmark event and commemorated the date in which the Constitution of India came into force. Jayashankar Pillai, director of Taleb Schools, said, “India was moving towards being a big global power and the students need to work towards the nation’s glory.” Principal Jai Gopal Jindal and Headmistress Sarada Narayanaswami were present on the occasion.

At the Ideal Indian School, Acting President Syed Abdul Hye hoisted the tricolour amid the singing of the national anthem. Members of managing committee, founder members, principal, heads of sections, parents, staff and students joined in the celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr Mohammed Aejaz called upon the students to contribute towards strengthening the nation.

“Having achieved our freedom, it is essential for us to uphold this glory and the sacrifice of our leaders. Patriotism will achieve its true meaning when all of us will take it up as responsibility to move the country forward. We’ve no doubt come a long way in the world arena,” he said.

Students sang songs and delivered speeches to reiterate their bond with the motherland and called upon youngsters to live up to the country’s traditions.

At the Shantiniketan Indian School, the tricolour was hoisted by Principal Muhammed Ismail amid the Indian National Anthem. The principal, in his message, spoke about world leaders like Sir Martin Luther and the US President Barack Obama being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology of non-violence and brotherhood and exhorted the students to follow suit. The school’s senior students organised a cultural programme based on the theme, ‘Unity in diversity’.