Independence Day 2025

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

-Rabindranath Tagore

15th August is more than just a date for any Indian, as it is a reminder of the oppression and struggle our ancestors endured. The day reflects the tough fight they put up and how we, as their descendants, are contributing to that legacy. As the nation celebrated the 79th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule, The Bhawanipur Education Society College joined in the festivities with great enthusiasm.

The event began with the inauguration, followed by a heartfelt speech on patriotism. The chief guests and dignitaries included ADG WB & SKM Directorate, Major General APS Chahal, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of 31 Bengal Battalion NCC, Colonel V.K. Shernon, and Commanding Officer of 2 Bengal Naval Unit NCC, Commander M. Ghosh; Vice-Chairman of The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Sri Miraj D. Shah; Rector and Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Dilip Shah; along with members of the Governing Body of BESC. The students of ICSE and ISC of the Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society marched across the campus to the deafening beat of drums. With patriotic fervour filling the air, the college’s NCC cadets followed suit to further commemorate the occasion.

As the march came to an end, Shri Miraj D. Shah addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted how today’s youth are often trapped in the digital world, which, he pointed out, is destroying their ability to function naturally. He described this dependence as a deviation from the path of growth, and concluded with a powerful message that unless there is reform and freedom from “digital slavery,” true independence cannot be achieved.

This was followed by an address by the chief guest, ADG West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate, Major General Chahal, who began by thanking the dignitaries for allowing him to be a part of the celebration. He urged everyone to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, stating, “Freedom is not free.” Drawing an analogy, he explained that the struggle for independence could be understood by observing a caged bird—symbolic of how the British Raj kept India confined.

After the patriotic speeches, the students of the Enact Collective presented a powerful play on the “Bidrohi Kobi” (Rebel Poet), Kazi Nazrul Islam. The performance beautifully portrayed his ideologies, showing how, when nothing else worked, he transformed his pen into a sword. His unyielding rebellion ignited flames in the hearts of Indians to rise against oppression.

This was followed by a captivating series of performances by ICSE students, including two instrumental renditions of “Sochna Kya” and “Bharat Mata,” composed by the school staff. A dance and musical performance themed Operation Sindoor, with students dressed in military uniforms, further added to the patriotic spirit. The ISC students then took the stage with a fashion show, showcasing traditional white attire and turbans from across India, walking with poise and capturing the audience’s attention.

The programme also included a prize distribution ceremony for staff competitions held earlier at the college. Next, BESC students showcased their talent—first with a traditional performance in Bengali attire on the song “Ae Watan,” followed by a high-energy Western dance. Dressed in white, they set the stage ablaze with their moves, leaving the audience clapping and cheering.

The event concluded with the awarding of the “Best Dressed” male and female in both staff and student categories. Finally, Prof. Dilip Shah reminded everyone that while we remember many of the well-known freedom fighters, countless others remain unrecognised. To honour them, he arranged a wall of photos and names of lesser-known freedom fighters, urging everyone present on campus to pay their respects.

REPORTER– Akash Agarwal
PHOTOGRAPHER– Gourav Chowdhury and Spandan Samanta