It’s that day of the year once again where students walk to schools in bright clean uniforms pinned with tiny miniatures of the national flag and take time to remember our forefathers who have fought for the country. While Independence Day celebrations in schools are often memorable events for students and teachers, this year the enthusiasm has been shot down by the deluge that has caused havoc in the district and ravaged our lives.

The unanticipated declaration of a holiday on Tuesday in Kozhikode had made the students and teachers dubious whether Independence Day celebrations would be carried out on Wednesday. However, according to the district educational authorities, no change will be brought to the celebrations. “ We have not received any information on cancelling the celebrations so far. Also, an event like Independence Day celebration cannot be postponed. Hence, as of now, all schools will conduct programmes as in the previous years, “ said Deputy Director of Education E K Suresh Kumar. Flag hoisting, patriotic song presentation, speech and cultural programme competitions and distribution of sweets will be conducted in schools in the city, apart from Independence Day parades in few schools.

Meanwhile, the Onam celebrations that are usually held prior to the closing of schools for Onam holidays, will be carried out but in a much solemn manner. “ We have not decided to cancel the entire event. But the programmes will not be conducted as grand as in the previous years, “ he added.