Schools in Ranchi mark Independence Day with ceremonies, parades and cultural shows
Multiple Ranchi schools observed Independence Day with traditional flag-hoisting, NCC parades and cultural performances, emphasising civic responsibility and character-building among students, according to a report compiled by Shikha Yadav.
At Surendranath Centenary School, the programme included a flag-hoisting, displays by the school band and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and patriotic songs and dances. The event’s highlight was a skit tracing India’s journey from independence in 1947 to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The school principal, Samita Sinha, urged pupils to play an active role in the country’s development.
“Viksit Bharat 2047 is not just a vision; it is a responsibility that each one of us must embrace,” said Principal Samita Sinha.
Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, marked what the school noted as its 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony followed by a parade involving around 200 NCC cadets and student representatives. The programme also featured performances from the school band and choir. The chief guest at the function, Mani Mekhla Das Gupta, underlined the role of education in building character and instilling civic duty, while Principal B. N. Jha called on students to maintain discipline, work hard and adhere to moral values.
At Oxford Public School, Ranchi, pupils sang all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, followed by the flag-hoisting and a march past involving 144 students. The institution’s programme included patriotic songs, cultural items and an inter-house dance competition. In the dance contest, Eliot House secured first place, while Byron House was adjudged the best contingent in the march past. The school also felicitated 487 students for achievements in various events and competitions.
Local emphasis on values and participation
Across the three schools, organisers balanced ceremony with calls for sustained civic engagement. The events combined pageantry — bands, drill displays and choreographed cultural numbers — with messages from school leaders about the responsibilities of students as citizens.
- Surendranath Centenary School: flag-hoisting, NCC cadets, school band, patriotic skit centred on Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali: flag-hoist, parade by ~200 NCC cadets, school band and choir; chief guest stressed education’s role in character-building.
- Oxford Public School: singing of six stanzas of Vande Mataram, march past by 144 students, inter-house dance competition; 487 students felicitated.
| School | Key activities | Notable numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Surendranath Centenary School | Flag-hoisting, NCC cadets, band, patriotic skit | — |
| Jawahar Vidya Mandir (Shyamali) | Flag-hoisting, NCC parade, band and choir | ~200 NCC cadets |
| Oxford Public School | Vande Mataram (six stanzas), march past, dance contest, felicitation | 144 in march past; 487 students felicitated |
School leaders used the occasions to stress moral values and discipline alongside celebration. At Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Principal B. N. Jha urged students to maintain discipline and focus on hard work. The chief guest, Mani Mekhla Das Gupta, highlighted the link between schooling and civic responsibility.
The programmes mirror a wider pattern in Ranchi and across the country where educational institutions observe national holidays with a mix of ceremonial rituals, student participation and message-driven presentations aimed at reinforcing patriotic sentiment and citizenship education. By publicly recognising student achievements — as Oxford Public School did by felicitating 487 pupils — schools also aim to encourage participation in co-curricular activities and reward scholastic and extracurricular excellence.
Organisers said the events sought to combine respect for national symbols with practical lessons on teamwork, discipline and public service, values schools said they intend to carry forward throughout the academic year.
