“Gaye Taba Jaya Gatha” – BESC celebrates the Independence Day

Students, Teachers, members of the non-teaching staff and the Management Committee congregated in the specially constructed structure called the Pavilion in the Turf to celebrate the Independence Day with the customary solemnity befitting the occasion. As is customary for the Bhawanipur Education Society College (BESC), the occasion was used to highlight the contribution of one Freedom Fighter and to take the pledge to follow in his footsteps. This year, BESC paid homage to Bipin Chandra Pal (1858 – 1932).

The proceedings were flagged of by a rousing dedication on the life and sacrifices of Bipin Chandra Pal – Journalist, Nationalist, Freedom fighter and Social reformer by Darshana, a student of the college.

Champak Lal Doshi, the Chairman of the Managing Committee of the college then hoisted the Tricolour which was followed by a march-past by the students of the BGES School and the NCC contingent of the college.

Crescendo, the music collective of the college, then moved the audience with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. The ISC students of the BGES school, who have created their own band, no less, were next on stage and presented a slew of patriotic songs in keeping with the gravity of the occasion. The ISC school children then presented a dance in which 30 students participated and was marked, not only by their spirited performance but also the extremely well scripted and choreographed presentation.

The Bhawanipur Design Academy followed suit with their own rendition about Independence through a dance presentation and a fashion show.

The Gujrati students of the institution then presented a moving script about the sacrifices of the Indian Army personnel, lauding their bravery and dedication which keep our borders safe.

The way the crowd of about 1500 were held spellbound by the 350 odd performers who took part in the proceedings was not only a tribute to the Nation, but also spoke volumes about the excellent quality of the productions that were staged before them.

Prof Mohit Shaw, conducted a quiz on the Freedom Struggle and the Independence Day. However, instead of following a set format, he quizzed the audience between the programmes, as a filler, as well as an enlightening and engrossing entertainer.

The biggest draw was when sticky notes – resembling the colours of the National flag were distributed in the audience for all present to write their personal note to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. The notes were stuck in a giant Tri-Colour which will be handed over to the appropriate authorities by the members of the BESC NCC unit at a later date.

The morning’s programme ended with the adjudication and the handing over of prizes to the best dressed (in traditional wear in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion) Male and Female participants. JituBhai Shah, member of the Managing Committee and Putul Madam (from ISC section) won the top slots. Aastha and Arjun were adjudged the best dressed girl and boy from among the students.

Pooja Manot of the Quizzard Collective led a contingent of student volunteers in association with the NGO Bhomi to illuminate the lives of underprivileged children as a part of the celebrations. First, a special book on general knowledge, which has been specifically created by the BESC were distributed with an aim towards empowering the less fortunate with intellectual aids. A quiz was then conducted from among the recipients which was as much an inclusive exercise as it was to spread the habit of quizzing. Gifts and chocolates were distributed among the participants.

The NSS unit of the college, led by Dr Divyesh Shah, distributed food packets among the children from financially challenged backgrounds in an effort to address the glaring issue and provide succour in the form of freedom from hunger as a means towards celebrating the day of freedom.

The most prominent of the functions was organised in front of Netaji’s residence where a street play was conducted by the members of Enact – the theatre collective of the college. Involving high drama and presented in a format that goes for the jugular of the audience, the play, which dealt with patriotic sentiments was a huge hit among those passing by, especially considering the sheer spontaneity of the performance.

Ashim Basu, the local Councillor representing the Municipal Corporation of Kolkata was present and was highly appreciative of the performance.