Independence Day Celebrations

August 23, 2010

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, The Mylapore Trio of Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation conducted their 54th Kala Poshakam, with a special thematic program "Gandhiyum Sudhandhiramum" at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya on 15th August 2010.

The Mylapore Trio were attired in the National tri-colour, representing saffron, white and green. The stage at Vinobabave Hall was aesthetically decorated to suit the occasion with mats of tri-colour shades, Gujarathi thoranams and thombais, supported with elegant shells. It represented Bapu’s principle of simplicity and development of cottage industries. A big charka (hand spinning wheel) of yesteryears was placed at the centre of the stage. The design and décor of the stage was conceived and executed by Surendranath.

The packed hall was filled with the young and old, freedom fighters, dignitaries, eminent personalities and teachers. The function started in the evening with a welcome address by Aparna. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was reverentially brought in by two girls (resembling the 2 granddaughters accompanying and holding Bapu) with floral guard of honor and was placed at the centre of the dais. The chief guest, Leela Sekhar (daughter of the great social worker and freedom fighter Manjubashini), Chairperson of IDA, Chennai, unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and shared her memorable experiences with the Mahatma. She had the great opportunity to render service to him on several occasions. On one such occasion, she was even complimented as "an ideal Bharathiya naari" (an ideal Indian woman) by Bapu himself.
"Gandhiyum Sudhandhiramum," a thematic program of music and dance by the Foundation children was presented by Revathy Sankkaran, who gave interesting tidbits about each and every song in a lively manner. Being a historian, Amarnath shared vital historical information on Gandhiji, nationalism and Independence, related to each song. The children of the Foundation rendered popular patriotic songs in Tamil and Hindi. The highlight was a dance performance by a young girl to the famous song of yesteryear, "Mahan Gandhi Mahan" sung melodiously by the children. This was followed by a group dance "Manadhil Vurudhi Veendum" by the teachers of Sri Tharachand Galada Jain Matriculation School, T Nagar.

Mr. A Annamalai, Director, Gandhi Study Centre, stressed on the need to inculcate patriotism and the importance of wearing khadi, to the younger generation. He screened a documentary film on the life of Gandhiji with rare photos, visuals and footage, which was a treat to the younger generation to watch Gandhiji live, and listen to his voice. The important stages in his life were portrayed in a short and crisp manner. A photo exhibition on the same theme was also on display. At the end of the program, the people’s hearts were filled with emotions of national fervor. The day ended with the National Anthem.