By Avantika Sharma
SHILLONG:
The students and faculty of Seng Khasi Lower Primary school, Mawwan village, Mylliem, celebrated the eve of the 75th Independence Day with great ecstasy as they were greeted by the members of Punjabi Sabha, Shillong, on August 14.
Years back, the organisation had adopted the school following which they continue to visit the students and other faculty members on a regular basis. The infrastructure, electricity connection and other basic amenities have been looked after by the organisation.
The organisation, as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ paid a visit to the students and teachers of the school. Like every year, the members visited the kids with presents, food items and flags, bringing a smile to their faces.
The organisation commenced the programme with a flag-hoisting ceremony following which the village echoed with the national anthem as everyone sang in unison and raised slogans of ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. While the students of Seng Khasi School sung patriotic songs in the Khasi language, the members of Punjabi Sabha accompanied them in Hindi.
The organisation also conducted a painting competition wherein the students were provided with stationery items and asked to draw the national flag. The students were awarded cash prizes and cricket kit, dolls, carrom boards, in the first and second positions in four categories.
President of the organisation, Kamla Verma, educated the students on the importance of the tricolour and shared information about the campaign ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The members of Punjabi Sabha have indeed established an ineffable bond with the students and faculty of Seng Khasi Lower Primary school, as the glee on the students’ faces made clear.
As the organisation members proceeded to leave the village, the children stood with flags in their hands, bidding their farewell, until the next Independence Day, of course.