As the country celebrates 72 years of independence, our ASK English Medium School at Dungarda was not far behind in getting into the spirit of things.
With 25 tiny-tots and 3 teachers, it was a programme-of-sorts. ;)
All the students, punctual-ready-decked up & all, with red blushers on their small, little cheeks - Oh my, weren't they cute little darlings to behold!!!
In the beginning was 'Vande Mataram', sung with a little hesitation and shyness all around. Then came the Flag-hoisting by a prominent senior guy of the nearby village. This was followed by the National Anthem. It was then, that the little ones got completely INTO THE ACT...or may I say, THE SPIRIT of the occasion. 'Jana Gana Mana' couldn't have been sung with more gutso or patriotism, by even a seasoned singer!!! :)
The little cries of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' in the end, was taken up enthusiastically by the rest of us. All then, filed dutifully behind the little ones, to watch their much rehearsed dance and song performance.
Watching those tiny steps marching to 'Nanha Munna Raahi Hoon' and hearing my favourite 'Saare Jahaan Se Achha' being sung off-key (okay, just slightly :) but with oh, so much enthusiasm, amidst great applause and laughter... it was then a thought slowly wafted up my mind...
These were the citizens of our India Tomorrow...No, these ARE the little citizens of India Today!!!
Mahatma Gandhi called them 'buds to be nurtured' as they were the future of a nation and citizens of tomorrow.
Nelson Mandela called it, a revelation of a society's soul, as to, how its children were treated.
So where then do we fall...? What is it that we fail to teach...?
The words of Confucius softly resonates in mind, "The strength a nation derives, is from the integrity of the home."
Yes, that's what it is...
Each one of us knows what's right and what's wrong, what we ought to and what not to do.
Our little citizens learn (more than ever!) by observing us, mimicking us, improving upon us...
Let's first learn or re-learn, practise what we know (and so need them to learn) and then maybe in the process, prove ourselves better citizens to this country and the world at large. :)
#...Dawna...#