Rock bands, quiz to ‘instil’ patriotism in college students

NEW DELHI: Be it concerts or quizzing, the flavour is certainly patriotism. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Indian independence, the government now wants to instil patriotism in students in a manner that interests them .

A host of rock bands will perform at elite institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and central universities such as the Delhi University from August 9 to 13, singing patriotic numbers, said sources in the human resource development (HRD) ministry.

Also, quiz competitions on the freedom movement are being planned for students across the country, expected to have a turnout of 1 crore students.

The top 10 winners will get a chance to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the HRD ministry has also issued a circular to all universities across the country asking institutes to carry out a number of activities to sensitise students towards the freedom struggle and the Quit India Movement.

“A number of rock bands have been identified by the information and broadcasting ministry, and 100 institutions that have adequate space to accommodate at least a thousand persons will be selected. All institutions have been asked to participate in the event,” said a senior ministry official.

The ministry has also decided to conduct quizzes across the country among college students based on the Quit India Movement and the freedom struggle. All higher educational institutions, both technical and nontechnical, will participate.

“Institutions will be sent questions related to the quiz and the they will organise it within the campus. Out of these, a final selection will be done and 10 students will get a chance to meet the Prime Minister,” added the official.

The UGC circular further states that faculty should be requested to conduct guided tours for students to memorials of freedom fighters and places/ houses of any martyr from the military, paramilitary and police, who helped to preserve the integrity of the country, in the vicinity of the institution in order to acquaint students about the contributions of freedom fighters.

Pledge taking will also be carried out.

“The Prime Minister's endeavour to have a terrorismfree, caste-free, corruption-free, uncleanness-free and povertyfree society would only actualise with the help of society and make his vision a reality. Organise pledge taking ceremony on August 9, at 9.30 am by all students, faculty and non-teaching staff of the institution,” reads the circular.

A number of rock bands have been identified by I&B ministry, and 100 institutions that have adequate space to accommodate at least a thousand persons will be selected. SENIOR HRD MINISTRY OFFICIAL