15th August is celebrated as Independence Day in India. We associate  this day with flag hoisting, celebrations at Red Fort, Prime Minister addressing the nation, school functions, and of course  national holiday.

This is a very special day in a child’s life as this when he hears about independence for the first time. While getting ready in spotlessly clean clothes & shoes, he would not know role independence plays in our lives. As a nation it took us 200 years to free ourselves. Our kids are fortunate to be born in a free nation. They are free to choose to live their lives as they want. As parents & teachers, we must tell our children about this hard earned freedom that has been passed on to them by older generations. In addition to all the festivities, take this opportunity to revisit history with them, speak about national flag, sing a few patriotic songs, and hum the national anthem.

Shalini Khurana, Principal, Kingdom Of Kids (run under Sri Ram Education Trust) Delhi says”, 15th  August has always been an important day in our lives. It helps us  appreciate the value of the freedom we enjoy today, and a remembrance  of those who lost their lives for it. It is also a reminder of what we  can achieve when we stick together, and what we can lose when we allow  others to divide us. We teach our toddlers/giffy’s that Mommy, Daddy  and everyone else are free to live anywhere in India, work, drive and  have fun because we are a free country. Teaching them about Mahatma  Gandhi, relevance of national flag & its colours & loads of  celebrations at our school makes Independence Day special.”

Divya J Bawa, Co- Founder, Kinder Plume said that children have  loads of fun during independence day celebration and along with that  at Kinder Plume we share with the children the importance of that day  and how many people worked very hard to get our country free. We need  to thank God and these people that we are free and we must take care  of our country by being responsible citizens.
Kite flying, singing and dancing to patriotic songs and crafts/ activities around the map/flag of the country are some of the hands on  activities children do at Kinder Plume.

Satyender Gupta, Founder, Mini Marvel Gurgaon says,” Independence Day is  the day we celebrate our country’s freedom. We are blessed to live in a free country where we have the right  to choose our religion, worship God how we want, and vote. That is a  freedom that not all countries have. But the value of patriotism is slowly eroding out of our day to day  existence. For most of us, the day has been reduced to nothing but a  hint to check for longer weekends to plan small vacations. But there  can actually be a way to celebrate the day and its importance so that  our kids remember it and feel proud. For the little kids, we should  keep it short and sweet, but drive home the things about Independence  Day that mean the most to your family. If your children are younger,  use words that they will understand, including things that they know  and people to whom they can relate. These small talks help shape your  family’s values and inform a child’s understanding of why holidays are  so special.

Aruna Sharma, Director, Medhaam Gurgaon says,” Even at the tender age  of 2-3 years it is very important that children imbibe the feeling of  patriotism and love for their country. Independence is an abstract  concept for preschoolers and we at Medhaam try to bring it to life for  them through a multi-sensory experience that stimulates their mind and  body. The tricolour flag is displayed to the children and the  significance of each colour is made clear. Dressed in tricolour during  circle time our mentors tell children the meaning of the word  independence and the story of Indian independence in an age  appropriate way. We then discuss with children how they can take care  of their motherland and become good citizens. The festivities across  the school are in form of informative assemblies, playing popular  Indian games, making tricolour sandwiches, role plays based on famous  events of the pre-independence era, art and craft and celebrating all  aspects of our culture.

Ketan Vira, Founder, Chip & Dale, Mumbai said, “On Independence Day  kids are taught why we celebrate Independence Day as India became free  from British rule after 200 yrs. We hoist tri colour flag & teach them  the importance of the flag. They are also taught about non violence  preached by Mahatma Gandhi and of course lots of singing & dancing.  This year they are singing – Hum honge kamyab “

Saurabh Poddar, Owner, Eager Beavers, Mumbai says, “Independence day is not just about the political struggle and the history of this country, but independence or freedom is a basic human value, a basic human right and each child, each person needs to be taught about the value of freedom and the responsibility that is associated with this value or right, towards their own freedom as well as others freedom.”

Arnica  Bahadur, Principal, Vels Vidyashram Kindergarten,  Sholinganallur, says, “Independence Day is an emotional day for the country as  it finally removed the ruling of colonialism. Every year from different parts of the country, people of different ethnicities, religion, caste and gender unite in celebration.  At Vels Vidyashram  Kindergarten Sholinganallur, we celebrate this historic day with  Patriotic songs such as Vande Mataram, National anthem Jan Gan Man are  sung by every kid ,small performances like dance and skit performed by  children and sweets are distributed, and the Indian flag is hoisted.  On the 15th of August, the Indian flag is seen in the hand of every  child and they feel so happy to carry it.

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