As India proudly steps into its 78th year of Independence, IIM Bodh Gaya celebrated this historic day with festivities on campus. The event was a unifying moment, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to honour the spirit of independence and pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters of the nation.
The 78th Independence Day commemorates India’s journey over the past 77 years, acknowledging the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped the nation. In support of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, which urges citizens to bring the Tiranga home, the Institute was decorated in the tri-colour hues.
The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs. Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, then took the stage to hoist the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem by all.
In her address, the director reflected on the significance of Independence Day, emphasizing the need for discipline and scripting our own journey. She further emphasized that leadership is all about just two things. One is what is the vision we have for our organization and nation, and second how can we serve.
The celebration continued with a lively cultural programme which consisted of traditional dances, patriotic songs, recitations and skits, celebrating the richness of India’s cultural heritage.
The festivities also included a series of engaging “Back to School” competitions. A Tug of War competition for the staff was held to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This was followed by competitions, including a Sack Race, Lemon and Spoon Race, and a Painting Competition and lastly a badminton match between the faculty and the students. These events saw enthusiastic participation from everyone across all ages.
The festivities concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners of the various competitions. As the day drew to a close, the event concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of unity and to contribute to the ongoing progress of the nation.