DUBAI // The bond with home was strengthened as children, along with their parents and teachers, celebrated India’s Republic Day by flocking to functions organised at schools, the embassy and consulate on Tuesday.
Colourful dances and patriotic songs were part of performances as saffron, white and green balloons were released to mark the start of festivities at the Indian High School in Dubai.
“We live far away from India, many of us were born here, but we don’t feel the distance,” said Keerthana Sudheesh, 15, who led a squad in the school march.
“These occasions help us to learn more about the importance of India’s struggle for independence, the Indian emblem and flag.”
The Indian tricolour flag stretched across a section of the school building as students performed a medley of classical dances along with Bollywood movie numbers. They also enacted musical skits about famed Indian freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi.
Vivid presentations melded history with current events. Parents clapped as children marched on to the field waving banners reading, “Quit India”, evoking a civil disobedience movement launched by Gandhi demanding the departure of British colonial rulers.
Others held aloft brooms as a symbol of the continuing “Swachh Bharat (Clean India)” campaign launched by prime minister Narendra Modi.
“We wanted to remind children of our history and also tell them about what is good for the country, like to keep it free from pollution,” said Radha Hari, 10, a Grade 6 student.
The country is celebrating its 67th republic day to mark the date India’s Constitution came into force declaring it a secular, democratic republic on January 26, 1950.
“Many factors keep us together as a nation given India’s great diversity, different cultures, races, religions,” said T P Seetharam, India’s ambassador to the UAE.
“But what is very important is our constitution, because that ensures equality for all and lays down the rights of all citizens, lists the principles and lofty ideals to which our country aspires. Republic day reminds us of our past and gives us the resolve to contribute to its development.”
Bilateral relations between India and the UAE, Mr Seetharam said, had been raised to a higher level with the visit of prime minister Modi and had “entered the stage of a strategic partnership”.
Back on the school grounds, Keerthana Vinod, 11, explained how a mime show with her classmates conveyed the need for unity.
“We used actions and masks to show that we should not fight among ourselves but stand united,” Keerthana said.
That children understood history was key for Malasree Satish, a housewife in school to see her son perform.
“It helps youngsters to learn more about the republic and the values of the country,” she said.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
