Several schools in the Bangalore have decided to remain closed on the Independence day inspite of government asking them to involve students in the celebrations.
The city may have been painted in the tricolour in anticipation of the 64th Independence Day on Monday.
But several leading schools in the city have decided to remain closed on the day. With the I-Day falling on Monday, a holiday on the day would only facilitate an extended weekend, with many families even planning trips out of the city.
The state government had notified last year that schools must celebrate Independence Day and involve students in the celebrations or else face action.
At Sophia High School, attending the flag-hoisting function on Monday is optional. Those whose homes are nearby can attend the function.
On Friday, Independence Day was celebrated at a special assembly of schoolchildren. “Only if they stay nearby, they’ve been asked to come. Anyway, it’s one day that they can relax,” said a parent whose child attends the school. Another parent said her child was happy to be able to get some time to prepare for her ongoing examinations.
“We have not received any notification,” said Rev Sr Mary Priscilla, principal of the school.
At Bishop Cotton Girls’ School, a member of the administrative staff said, “Staff and resident students will celebrate Independence Day in the school. Day scholars will celebrate the day on Tuesday.”
The staff member said no notification had been received from the state government in this matter.
Bishop Cotton Boys’ School has put off Independence Day celebrations till August 17. “Monday is a holiday. Tuesday has been declared a holiday, to celebrate recent achievements,” a student said. Here too, school authorities claimed to have not received any notification.
Baldwin Girls’ High School has asked students in class 5 and above to attend celebrations of Independence Day on August 15.
“Kids below that age are too young to be part of the celebrations, so that’s probably the reason why they have not been asked to come,” said a parent whose child is in the primary school, where a celebration will be held next week.
Enjoying a long weekend away from her boarding, one student said, “I am not aware of any celebrations. I have to go back to the boarding in the afternoon on Monday.”
Asked if the government had indeed sent all schools a notification in the matter, minister for primary and secondary education, primary and secondary education minister Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri said, “I had informed my secretary to notify all schools regarding participation of students in Independence Day celebrations. Clear instructions have been given to all institutions. I will check once again.”
The notification was issued after Rajeev Chandrashekar, member of Parliament, wrote to Kageri, stating that a number of private schools in the city did not celebrate Independence Day.
‘These are days that our children can experience the ideals of nationalism, public service and national duty,” he had written, claiming that the schools were guilty of ‘abrogation of obligation and responsibility’ in inculcating a spirit of
patriotism.
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