In an impressive parade displayed by the school cadets, the 76th Independence day was celebrated with great fervour at Sainik School Kodagu. Shri Jaiprakash K., Former Secretary to Government, Water Resources and Former Managing Director, Cauvery Niravari Nigam Limited, Bengaluru was the chief guest of the programme, who was very impressed with the turnout, discipline and parade presented by the cadets. The immaculate march past by the House contingents of the school impressed the audience.
The chief guest was escorted to War Memorial of the school by the Horse Cavalcade where he laid the wreath and paid homage to war heroes. After unfurling the tricolor at Thimmaiah Parade Ground, the chief guest witnessed a cultural programme at Kuvempu Multipurpose Hall. Patriotic songs and a skit titled ‘True Freedom’, which intended to imbibe sense of patriotism and one’s duty towards the nation, was performed during the programme.
In his Independence day address the chief guest acknowledged the noble sacrifice by freedom fighters and their selfless service in freeing our nation from the clutches of British power. Further in his speech, he applauded the cadets for putting up a spectacular cultural programme which invoked patriotic feelings among the audience. He encouraged the cadets and staff to strive and seek creativity, novelty and innovation in the works they are engaged with. By commemorating the supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters, the chief guest wished that all cadets to take up a career in the armed forces in order to safeguard the frontiers of our nation. He appreciated the school for developing state of art infrastructure and imparting training keeping in abreast with the needs of modern world. The chief guest recalled the initial days of his career in Government Polytechnic, Kushalnagar which falls in the domain of Cauvery basin and his retirement from service as Managing Director, Cauvery Niravari Nigam Limited, being the sole incharge of the Cuavery Basin, state of Karnataka. He was overwhelmed for addressing the cadets of Sainik School Kodagu which is located in the pristine Cauvery basin. He paid homage to his father Late KN Karigiraiah and expressed his obeisance to his mother for guiding and shaping his future.
The Chief Guest presented the Principal’s Commendation Certificate to Mr Suresh Krishnan, PGT (Mathematics), Mrs Vidya Ashok, UDC, Mr Ashok Kumar, General employee for their yeomen service rendered to the school. A prize ceremony was conducted during the programme and winning participants of various competitions connected with ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ were felicitated. Col G Kannan, Principal gave away a memento as a token of remembrance to the chief guest.
As a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ programme was successfully observed in the school, hoisting the national flag at Kautilya Administrative Block, Ved Vyas Academic Building, Hostel Buildings of all Houses, Main Gate and Old Gate of the school, Kuvempu Multipurpose Hall, General Thimmaiah Parade Ground, Officers' residences, House Masters' residences and staff quarters. It is heartening to note that more than 600 parents hoisted the national flags at their respective residences..
Col G Kannan, Principal, Lt Col Ajit Singh, Administrative Officer, academic, administrative, NCC and PI staff were present on the occasion.