JAMMU, OCT 1: Rich Harvest School observed Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti with reverence and enthusiasm, commemorating the birth anniversaries of two towering national leaders whose lives continue to inspire generations through their commitment to truth, non-violence, simplicity, integrity, discipline and service to the nation.
The special assembly organised on the occasion brought together students and faculty in a meaningful celebration that combined historical remembrance with activities designed to connect the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri with the responsibilities of young citizens.
The programme featured a series of thoughtful presentations highlighting Gandhiji’s philosophy of truth and non-violence and Shastri Ji’s ideals of simplicity, courage, humility and dedication to the nation. Students were encouraged to look beyond the historical significance of the two leaders and understand how their principles remain relevant in everyday life.
A major attraction of the programme was the “Gandhi–Shastri Wall”, an innovative presentation depicting what Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri might find if they visited the school in the present day. The display showcased various values, practices and initiatives adopted by the school that draw inspiration from the leaders’ ideals, providing students with an opportunity to reflect on how national values can be translated into action.
The “A Step Towards Swachh Bharat” activity further reinforced the importance of cleanliness, civic responsibility and respect for public spaces. Through the initiative, students spread awareness about maintaining clean surroundings and embracing cleanliness as a personal and collective responsibility.
The programme also featured “Little Leaders, Great Ideals”, in which two students portrayed Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Through their presentations, the young participants shared the leaders’ thoughts, principles and contributions with their peers, making the historical figures more relatable to the younger generation.
Adding a strong historical and cultural dimension to the celebrations, students presented an enactment of the Dandi March, recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s historic march and its association with courage, unity, peaceful resistance and determination. The presentation enabled students to engage with an important chapter of India’s freedom movement while understanding the power of collective action and steadfastness.
Addressing the gathering, Head of Institute Anita Bhatia encouraged students to incorporate the values demonstrated by Gandhi and Shastri into their everyday lives. She emphasised that education should not remain confined to academic achievement, but should also nurture individuals who are responsible, compassionate, disciplined and principled citizens.
Bhatia stressed that the true purpose of education is reflected in the character and conduct of students and encouraged them to practise honesty, empathy, respect and responsibility in their daily interactions.
Director Ruchi Charak also addressed the students and called upon them to make the ideals of the two national leaders an integral part of their everyday conduct. She highlighted the enduring importance of honesty, humility, discipline, self-reliance and service, urging students to translate these values into meaningful actions within their families, school and wider society.
The celebrations provided students with an opportunity to understand that the legacy of Gandhi and Shastri extends beyond historical events and speeches, finding relevance in simple acts of honesty, cleanliness, discipline, compassion and service.
The programme concluded with students and faculty taking a renewed pledge to uphold the ideals of truth, peace, discipline, humility and service to the nation, reaffirming the school’s commitment to value-based education and responsible citizenship.
