Back in the 1970s, we eagerly awaited the school’s Independence Day festivities. As the big day approached, my parents would work overtime ironing our uniforms and giving our sneakers a facelift, ensuring my four brothers and I, who went to the same school, stood out. The pristine all-white attire symbolised purity and unity, whereas the red tie represented the bloodshed and sacrifices made in the fight for independence. Completing the attire would be a pair of white cotton socks.
The co-ed school, conveniently located within walking distance of our residence, was run by the Seventh-Day Adventists, a group of Protestants. We would always be early birds, exploring the campus and marvelling at the colourful buntings, floral decorations, and the flag containing rose petals for the ceremonial hoisting. The excitement for the flag hoisting ceremony, scheduled at 8.30 am, was palpable. The school parade and the accompanying symphony from the school band amplified the enthusiasm.
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The school handpicked the finest marchers to form their House teams. Led by the school captain, the parade comprised four Houses, each with a distinct coloured flag, and the march past was an impressive sight. The delicious ladoos enclosed in paper pouches handed out by the teachers made for the perfect touch. All India Radio broadcasted various patriotic and cultural programmes throughout the day.
Before the Independence Day celebrations, there were essay writing and debating contests where participants could win prizes. My younger sibling, Gokul Nath, won the top awards in these contests. He outperformed older students and reached the top of the podium in an essay writing competition at just eight years old. Our family took immense pride and joy in his accomplishments.
It was not until later in my career at a state-run bank that I could hoist the national flag. The head of our Branch was recovering from a sore back, so the bank called upon me to take charge as the second in line in terms of seniority. The armed guards from the Branch had meticulously planned and organised everything. Unfurling the flag and singing the national anthem were my only tasks, while my older son, Sachin Kumar, watched and found it amusing. But it was a moment that evoked pride and a strong sense of responsibility.
Years later, when I became a branch head, the principal of a government school approached me. The bank had donated water purifiers to the school as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The principal requested that I attend their Independence Day celebration as a guest of honour and unfurl the national flag. I had a wonderful time socialising with the children and handing out chocolates. Banks nationwide host exciting Independence Day celebrations with rangoli competitions, flag hoisting and refreshments are served.
I felt great pride when I raised the national flag during the Independence Day festivities at the Branch, where I retired after superannuation at sixty. Being in an institution where I had spent almost four decades was an incredibly emotional experience. Before my retirement, I also had the privilege of unfurling the national flag at the Branch on Republic Day. This feat symbolised the conclusion of a significant chapter in my career.
We hope the supreme sacrifices made by our freedom fighters will motivate the younger generation to keep the Indian flag flying high.
