Virtual flag-hoisting in schools, colleges
Instead of the usual bustle, this year schools and colleges have planned virtual flag-hoisting ceremonies or conducting the event with a restricted number of staff.
Nizam College has scrapped its Guard of Honor, Kasturba College scaled down the celebrations
Come August 15, school and college students who were home ever since the outbreak of Covid-19, will for the first time celebrate the Independence Day at home.
Instead of the usual bustle on the day, this year schools and colleges have planned virtual flag-hoisting ceremonies or conducting the event with a restricted number of staff in attendance and no students.
Every year, the run up to the Independence Day is a time of action for students, with those in the national cadet corps, scouts and guides especially preparing for parades and march pasts on the big day. Students this year will also miss out on taking part in cultural and sporting events and other competitions organised as part of the celebrations.
“I am going to miss all the excitement, the flag-hoisting, speeches and cultural programmes,” says a class 9 student, Ashrith P. from St Joseph’s Public School, King Koti. “I am really going to miss the part where snacks are distributed and then sitting with friends and enjoying being together and planning something to do. This year, it is not going to be fun.”
For Class VI student from Rosary convent, Hari Priya Gosha, this Independence Day has brought new experiences. “I have recorded a video of my speech for the day which will be played durng the flag-hoisting ceremony. The school has asked all its students to be present online for virtual attendance. “I am excited and want to see how it all works out,” she says.
Meanwhile, the historic Nizam College this year has scrapped its Guard of Honor. There will be just a few of us attending the flag hoisting. “Every year, we had NCC cadets practice for the day for a month for their march past,” according to college VicePresident Dr Avinash Jaiswal.
Elsewhere in Kasturba Gandhi college for women too, celebrations have been scaled down.