March 25, 2023

Assam is reeling under severe floods and torrential rain (with more than 75% of the World Heritage site Kaziranga National Park in deep waters). But this has not dampened the patriotic spirit of the state’s children and their teachers when it comes to celebrating Independence Day. The picture accompanying this article has already gone viral on social media. It tells the whole story.

Mizanur Rahman, an assistant teacher at the Naskara LP School in Dhubri district posted this picture of students in his school saluting the national flag in waist deep water, with the younger ones almost submerged till their shoulders. His message of thanks on social media is reproduced below.

Happy independence day to all..... I m the asstt teacher at this school, school name...1185 No. Naskara LP school.. under Fakirganj Police station. Dhubri....no need to tell how we are right now, pic will tell all the stories...i did not expect this kind of support....thank you all for sharing this picture

This is the spirit with which children across India celebrate Independence Day, obviously guided by their teachers, regardless of caste, creed and religion. This should be an eye opener for all those who feel that I-Day celebrations should be conducted in schools in a particular manner, or through government fiat or that minority institutions should prove their patriotism by singing this or that song or by chanting a particular slogan.

Independence Day means different things to different people. Let children and their teachers decide how best they will celebrate the day in a dignified and patriotic manner.