On the 77th Independence Day, IIM Bodh Gaya, one of the premier management institutes in India, celebrated the occasion with a series of cultural and sports events. The institute paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation and also participated in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, a nationwide initiative to hoist the national flag in every household. The institute also observed the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14th of August to honour the victims of the tragic event.
Flag Hoisting Ceremony and Director’s Speech
The celebration began with a flag hoisting ceremony, where Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, the Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, unfurled the tricolour and led the gathering in singing the national anthem. Dr. Sahay then delivered an inspiring speech, where she urged the students to be self-reliant and resilient in the face of challenges. She said, “Don’t just be grateful; take your responsibility too.” She emphasized that the current generation has a duty to carry forward the legacy of the freedom fighters and contribute to the nation’s development.
Cultural Programme and Student Performances
After the flag hoisting ceremony, a cultural programme was organized by the Cultural Committee of IIM Bodh Gaya, where students showcased their talents in various forms of art. The programme included dance performances, singing, poetry recitation, and skits. The students enthralled the audience with their creativity and enthusiasm. Prof. Sreelekha Mishra, the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee, inaugurated the programme with a welcome speech and also supervised the entire event.
Sports Events and Cricket Match
The celebration continued with some fun-filled sports events on the theme ‘Back to School’. The students, faculty, and non-faculty members participated in games such as lemon race, sack race, balloon race, and tug of war. The games were designed to foster team spirit and camaraderie among the participants. The event concluded with a friendly cricket match between the students and the faculty members, where both teams displayed their sportsmanship and skills.
The 77th Independence Day celebration at IIM Bodh Gaya was a memorable occasion that brought together the entire institute fraternity. The celebration reflected the institute’s values of patriotism, excellence, diversity, and collaboration. The institute also expressed its gratitude to the frontline workers who have been fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and urged everyone to follow the safety protocols.