Parle Tilak Vidyalaya English Medium School (Secondary Section) Republic Day Celebration
“वन्दे मातरम् ।
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी॥”
I bow to the Mother; the mother and the motherland are greater than heaven.
Parle Tilak Vidyalaya English Medium School celebrated the 77th Republic Day with great pride and patriotic fervour on 26 January 2026. The programme was conducted in a disciplined and enthusiastic atmosphere, marked by the active participation of students, teachers, and staff members.
The celebration was gracefully compered by Mrs Nita Banavali, who steered the programme with poise and clarity, ensuring a smooth flow and clarity befitting the occasion.
The programme began with a warm welcome extended to Headmistress Mrs Smita Biwalkar, Deputy Headmistress Mrs Yamini Dalvi, Supervisor Mrs Vasundhara Pandey, teachers, non-teaching staff, student teachers, and students. The significance of 26 January 1950, the day on which the Constitution of India came into force, was highlighted, reminding everyone of the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in it.
The formal proceedings commenced with the flag salutation conducted by Mr Paresh Ipte, followed by the National Anthem and Maharashtra Geet. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony led by the Headmistress, during which students pledged their allegiance to the nation and the Constitution.
A well-coordinated kavayat drill was presented by the students, reflecting discipline, unity, and physical fitness. The drill was accompanied by a live and soulful song rendition by the school’s music teacher, Mrs Vrushali Virkar, which added vigour, rhythm, and synchronisation to the performance.
The school choir then presented the patriotic song ‘Hind Desh Ke Nivasi Sabhi Jan Ek Hain’, filling the atmosphere with a strong sense of unity and national pride. This was followed by the prize-winning inter-house group song performed by C. V. Raman House, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The theme of this year’s Republic Day celebration focused on commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ along with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, emphasising patriotism and self-reliance. To highlight this theme, Mrs Vandana Menon addressed the students and spoke about the significance of Republic Day and the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation.
This was followed by a speech by Ruturaj More of Std. IX, who confidently spoke about constitutional values and their role in strengthening the unity and progress of the country.
A special segment of the programme marked the launch of Digital Darpan, the digital edition of the school newsletter. Our teacher and Darpan Coordinator, Mrs Vinitha Nair spoke about the journey of Darpan, its official digital launch, and how the initiative would help the school adapt to changing times by encouraging wider outreach, creativity, and responsible digital expression among students.
On the occasion of Darpan completing its fourth anniversary, theTeacher Co-ordinators Mrs Vinitha Nair, Ms Sonia Mullik, and Miss Kushi Kapadia were felicitated by the Headmistress in appreciation of their dedicated efforts.
The winners of the individual and inter-house group singing competitions were announced by the Deputy Headmistress, Mrs Yamini Dalvi, and the students were felicitated by the Headmistress, Mrs Smita Biwalkar. The board work for the programme was neatly and efficiently carried out by Ms Beena Godambe.
A special mention was made of students who won prizes at the Kallolini Hazrat Memorial Creative Mind Fest Competition organised by Hansraj Jivandas College of Education. The theme of the competition, ‘A Tribute to Indian Soldiers’, was acknowledged, and the students were appreciated for their creativity and patriotic expression.
The school expresses its sincere gratitude to the Physical Education teachers, Mr Jitendra Patil and Mr Paresh Ipte, for efficiently organising the programme.
The celebration concluded with the singing of the National Song. Sweets were distributed thereafter, and students dispersed class-wise as announced.
The Republic Day programme was meaningful and inspiring, reinforcing a deep sense of patriotism and reminding students of their duties as responsible citizens of the nation.
Let us remember:
“Freedom lies in being bold enough to protect the values that define our nation.”
