Dubai schools join UAE in celebrating India's Republic Day

Dubai - IHS marked the day with performances that lived upto this year's theme of 'We the people of India are tolerant but not weak, traditional but not outdated, diverse but not divided!'

Patriotic fervour gripped Indian expats, particularly Indian schools, on Thursday with India ushering in its 68th Republic Day. The day celebrates the date on which the Indian Constitution came into existence on January 26, 1950, enforcing a democratic system in India.

The ground of the Indian High School (IHS), Dubai, was a sea of Indian national colours with over 4,000 students singing patriotic songs, dancing to traditional tunes, and performing parades in colourful costumes. The event also featured a march past by student achievers, staff, parents, and alumni, representatives of the Rashid Paediatric Centre and Kerala drummers, among others.

IHS marked the day with performances that lived upto this year's theme of 'We the people of India are tolerant but not weak, traditional but not outdated, diverse but not divided!'

Present on the occasion was Consul-General of India Anurag Bhushan, who unfurled the Indian national flag, to the tunes of the Indian national anthem in the presence of the gathered Indian diaspora. Addressing the audience, Bhushan said: "The responsibility lies on your shoulders ... Indians are known the world over for their strong work ethic ... United we can achieve anything."

Welcoming diplomats, dignitaries, students, staff and all fellow Indians on the occasion, IHS Chairman Sunil Umrao Singh said: "Celebrating Republic Day in Dubai is synonymous with The Indian High School. With determination and hard work, anything is possible."

A parent, Pratibha, whose daughter was performing at the IHS event, said: "Our morning starts with watching the live telecast of the flag hoisting and parade in India, following which we come to see our daughter perform at the IHS Republic Day celebrations. We are so happy that her school celebrates this day as it connects our kids to their roots. If it weren't for this, our kids would be just holidaying at home, not even knowing what Republic Day is all about."

Cultural show at TMS

At The Millennium School (TMS), Dubai, 150 students from the primary, middle and senior school put up a spectacular performance against the backdrop of the Indian tricolour on the school turf. The celebration started with students of primary school honouring the freedom fighters of India with a skit and song ensemble. Students also portrayed the lives of some of the freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmibai and recited a poem written by her.

Senior students, apart from giving speeches in the national language, Hindi, were dressed in traditional Indian clothes. They performed a cultural show where they greeted the audience in different languages of the country and showcased an act, talking about the different cultures, religions and historical monuments of the country.

Principal Michael Guzder said: "Celebrating the Republic Day in school gives an opportunity to expatriate students to be aware of the history and heritage of India and connect with their homeland. There was a sense of patriotism in the air as staff and students reflected on the sacrifices of the freedom fighters through the presentation of songs and skits."

'Modern-otsav' at GEMS

GEMS Modern Academy hosted its annual cultural festival 'Modern-otsav' to celebrate India's cultural heritage on the country's 68th Republic Day. Over 3,000 parents and children participated in this year's event and a multitude of activities such as food stalls, games, traditional dances and live performances created a carnival-like atmosphere on the school's Nad Al Sheba campus.

"In keeping with the vision of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to make 2017 the Year of Giving, all the collections from Modern-otsav will go to 'Dubai Cares' as we are committed to working closely with them to support deserving charities and individuals," said Principal Nargish Khambatta.

When over 5,000 tiny tots wore patriotism on their sleeves with pride

Adding a dash of cuteness to the Republic Day celebrations, 5,000 tiny tots from The Kindergarten Starters displayed their love for their country by taking part in a Tolerance March. Showing their patriotism through their saffron, white and green outfits, the kids walked around the school holding placards with words such as tolerance, diversity, sustenance, respect, endurance and others written on them. The students had been celebrating India throughout the month of January with the 'India at a Glance' theme as the main element of all school events and activities.

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE