Monday 18 / August / 2025
Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK), celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India with grandeur, patriotism and cultural vibrancy. The theme, “New India, Empowered India”, resonated through the morning, reflecting the nation’s strides in self-reliance, innovation, and citizen empowerment.
The celebrations commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Ms. Dipali Mehta, Founder of Muscat Energy Healing Centre, who was accompanied by Sheikh Shri Anil Khimji, Chief Patron, Mr. Rajendra Ved, the Executive Director of the School Management Committees of ISWK and ISWK Cambridge, Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Assistant Executive Director, of the School Management Committees of ISWK and ISWK Cambridge, Mr. Sachin Toprani, Honorary President, of the School Management Committee of ISWK, Mrs. Gargi Chugh, the Honorary President of the school managing committee of ISWK Cambridge, other esteemed members of the School Management Committees, Principal Mr. D.N. Rao, along with other special invitees.
A ceremonial guard of honour welcomed the guests, followed by the release of tricoloured balloons by Ms. Mehta, symbolising the spirit of freedom. The national anthem sung by the Senior School Hindustani Choir filled the grounds with pride.
The March Past was a spectacular display of discipline and unity. ISWK contingents, representing the four houses—Akbar, Ashoka, Tagore, and Vivekananda—marched with precision, each symbolising values of leadership, courage, creativity, and ideals of service. ISWK Cambridge contingents, led by their sports and house captains, proudly represented their four elemental houses—Agni, Jal, Prithvi, and Vaayu—demonstrating energy, harmony, and determination.
Ms. Dipali Mehta , honourable Chief Guest, was warmly welcomed by the school, and a potted plant was presented by students of the Primary Wing of ISWK.
The cultural programme began with a melodious patriotic song by the Senior School Choir, stirring sentiments of unity and devotion. The Kindergarten presented ‘Indiawale in Action – Patriotism in Every Step’, a vibrant dance performance radiating innocence and pride. The Primary School Choir followed with ‘Vande Mataram – Colours of Courage, Waves of Pride’, evoking deep reverence for the motherland. The Senior School’s ‘Terah Taali’, a traditional Rajasthani folk dance, brought the cultural mosaic of India to life with its rhythmic cymbals and graceful coordination. ISWK Cambridge students then performed ‘Vijayghosh’, a spirited Lezim folk dance from Maharashtra, combining energetic beats with the symbolism of the Indian tricolour.
In her inspiring address, the honourable Chief Guest Ms. Dipali Mehta commended the school’s efforts in instilling patriotism among students and inspiring them to become ambassadors of unity, service, and progress. She urged students to embrace the “freedom within” by being true to themselves and freeing their minds from fear, doubt, and insecurities. She emphasised that the foundations of a good life rest on mental, emotional, and physical health, and on staying away from toxic habits and environments. Nothing is impossible, she said, when one is passionate and gives their whole-hearted commitment, becoming unstoppable in the process. She advised against wasting time on comparisons that distract from one’s own path, and encouraged everyone to pledge to be happy, remembering that life is more than marks and medals. As a token of gratitude, a memento was presented to Ms. Dipali Mehta by Sheikh Shri Anil Khimji.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by the students of ISWK Cambridge followed by a soulful recitation of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’, leaving the audience reflective and inspired. The 79th Independence Day celebration at ISWK was not merely a commemoration of history but a reaffirmation of India’s collective spirit. Through disciplined parades, cultural expressions, and the presence of eminent guests, the programme echoed the message that a “New India” is one where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the nation’s journey.
