77th Independence Day Celebrations
The 77th Independence Day celebration at Government Observation Home for Boys at Kellys was a momentous occasion that aimed to instill a sense of patriotism and pride among the young residents. The event was organized to provide the boys with an opportunity to understand and commemorate the significance of India’s Independence Day.
The celebration was conducted by PRISM in the form of a 7-day event, starting from 7th August 2023 and culminating with Independence Day. These events aimed to provide a creative platform for the boys to express their understanding of responsibility and respect towards the nation through artistic means.
Independence Day was celebrated in collaboration with the Social Defence Department. Present at the event were Mrs. Lakshmi, the JJ Board Magistrate, Mr. Ravi Kumar Paul, Senior Advocate and Managing Trustee of PRISM and the board members of the JJB. The youngsters put on an outstanding music band march-past and various other cultural performances.
The PRISM team took part in the programme in which our sports coach trained the OH boys for two weeks to perform pyramid and aerobics on the Independence Day. The boys performed well with enthusiasm. PRISM provided refreshments and prizes to the boys who participated in the week-long programme. Special gifts were given to the Observation Home which contained towels and sports equipment.
7th Aug – Being Responsible and Respectful towards India was imparted through educational sessions and collage making.
8th Aug – The theme “My Vision of India” was used to encourage participants to express their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for the nation through the mediums of poetry and elocution. A session dedicated to the life and sacrifice of Subash Chandra Bose, a prominent freedom fighter was also held.
9th Aug – A Ganna song competition was organized with the aim of fostering a sense of patriotism and national pride among the boys. The competition provided an opportunity for the participants to express their feelings for the country through music. A comprehensive session on the life, history, and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, an iconic freedom fighter, was conducted.
10th Aug – A quiz competition focusing on the theme of “Freedom and Independence in India” was organized to educate and engage the boys on the history, struggles, and achievements related to India’s journey to freedom. The educational session was on the life and sacrifice of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, a prominent freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu.
11th Aug – A drawing competition was organized with the theme “India and National Independence.” The competition aimed to provide a creative platform for the boys to express their feelings about India’s struggle for freedom and its significance. The competition along with a session on the life and courage of Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, a fearless freedom fighter and queen, successfully combined historical awareness with creative engagement.
14th Aug – The boys were taught the meaning of both the Indian National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” and the Tamil song, “Tamil Thai Vazhthu.” Along with the theoretical understanding, the boys practiced singing to connect with the essence of these patriotic songs.
The celebration continued at Saidapet Sub-Jail around 11:30 AM. The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Thiru. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, hoisted the flag and distributed sweets to the inmates at the Sub-Jail. and other well-wishers were part of the program. The street play by the inmates and their cultural performances left the guests astonished. The inspiring speech by Justice Anand Venkatesh and others created a patriotic atmosphere and a sense of satisfaction.
Well-wishers:
Former Justice P N Prakash
Amaresh Pujari, DGP – Prisons and Correctional Services
Ravi Kumar Paul, Managing Trustee of PRISM
Kanagaraj, DIG HQ
Murugesan, DIG
Nazir Ahamed
Thanasekarapandian