RIYADH — The Yara International School celebrated “Gandhi Jayanthi” on October 2 with pomp and gaiety to commemorate the 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi — who was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.



Gandhi, who led India’s peaceful and successful struggle for freedom from the British yoke was called  “The Father of the Nation” for his dedication and spirituality in leading India to freedom.



The students of Grade VIII conducted a special assembly. Dr. Abdul Azeez, Dr. Bharatan, I. Sameel, Basheer and members of management committee of Yara International School, Naushad Ali and Hameed Naha, graced the event.

It was a day entirely dedicated to the ideologies and preaching of Gandhiji, who was born on October 2 in Porbandar in the state of Gujarat and lovingly called ‘Bapu’ — father in Gujarati language. This was well reflected in all aspects of the proceedings including the students’ dress code, which was plain and simple Indian clothing.



“Hate the sin, but love the sinner” – a quote by Gandhiji, exemplifying his tolerance and humanity, was the thought for the day. The students of grades VI and VII presented ‘Dedi Hame Azaadi’ the song that sums up Gandhiji’s contribution to the freedom struggle.  ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’, Bapu’s favorite bhajan, propagating religious oneness, was sung by the school choir. The lingering tunes of this song, which soothed ‘Bapu’, too touched the hearts and minds of the attendees.



The “Gandhi Gallery” inaugurated by the Guests of Honor Naushad Ali and Hameed Naha housed things that bore the stamp of our motherland in terms of their source, origin and method of manufacture.



The khadi and Indian cottage products were reminiscent of Gandhiji’s love for all things Indian. The gallery also exhibited collage work by students on Gandhiji’s life, his freedom struggle and non-violence movement.



“Be the change you want to be” and “If we are to achieve true peace in this world, it must begin with the children” were some of the memorable quotes displayed in the gallery, which caught the onlookers’ attention for their sheer relevance and significance.



A group of students staged a mock procession depicting the freedom struggle. The slogan “Say no to foreign goods,” “Simon Commission go back,” reverberated everywhere and brought back the passion and fervor of the freedom movement.

The replica of the ‘Charka’ popularized by Gandhiji attracted the attention of the visitors. Life-size cutouts and books on the great leader displayed in the gallery created a perfect ambience for the day.



Grade VI and VII students participated in the campus-cleaning program aptly named Shramdan meaning voluntary contribution of labor. They carried placards and banners advocating cleanliness for a better and healthy life.



On this auspicious occasion, the students also took a pledge to extend their solidarity to fight against drug abuse. The Principal Ms. Aasima Saleem conducted the oath-taking ceremony.



It was a part of the campaign conducted by “Riyadh Initiative against Substance Abuse” (RISA) and Subair Kunj foundation in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Narcotics Department.



The celebrations came to a close with the screening of the popular movie ‘The Making of the Mahatma.’



The film provided an insight into the life and principles of the great soul who influenced millions of people across the world.



In this age of distress, war and political unrest, such occasions reinstate our faith and belief in human values and attainment of peace through non-violence remarked Principal Saleem. — SG