Every year, the 15th of August marks a sacred day in the heart of every Indian. It is the day when our nation broke free from colonial chains and stepped into the light of freedom. For us, it is not just a date in history—it is a reminder of the sacrifices, dreams, and resilience that built the India we cherish today. This year, Independence Day 2025 was celebrated with grandeur, innocence, and immense enthusiasm at Lead Up International Pre-School, Talegaon Dabhade, a project of the Shivaji Shelar Memorial Foundation.
What made this celebration unique was the involvement of not just the preschool children but also 50 other children from the community and about 40 parents, who came together to honour the nation’s spirit. The event, attended by over 120 participants, was a wonderful blend of patriotism, early childhood learning, and community bonding.
Setting the Stage for a Memorable Day
As the morning sun rose on 15th August, the premises of Lead Up International Pre-School buzzed with excitement. Teachers, staff, and volunteers had decorated the school with tricolour balloons, paper crafts, and hand-made posters created by the children. The walls carried slogans such as “Freedom is our right, but unity is our strength” and “Little hands, big dreams for India.”
The school courtyard, where the main celebration took place, was beautifully arranged with neat seating for parents and guests. A small stage with a backdrop featuring the Indian flag and portraits of national leaders created a perfect patriotic atmosphere.
Children arrived in bright costumes—some dressed as freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Rani Lakshmibai, Bhagat Singh, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while others came in the traditional attire of Krishna, Radha, and Bharat Mata. Parents too came in festive spirits, many dressed in white or in the colours of the tricolour.
The Flag Hoisting Ceremony
The celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag by the directors of the foundation, Mrs. Lipika Avinash Shelar and Mrs. Minakshi Shivaji Shelar, accompanied by teachers and staff. As the Tiranga unfurled gracefully, everyone stood in silence to sing the National Anthem. The innocence of preschoolers singing “Jana Gana Mana” with their tiny voices created a moment that touched every heart present.
For many children, it was their very first Independence Day celebration, and their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they saluted the flag.
Welcome Address and Setting the Tone
After the anthem, a warm welcome was extended to parents and guests. The teachers explained the significance of Independence Day in simple words for the little ones. “Freedom is when we can live happily, go to school, play, and speak without fear. But this freedom was not free—many people gave their lives for it,” one teacher narrated, capturing the attention of both children and parents.
Patriotic Performances by Children
The heart of the celebration was the performances by children. Each act was carefully designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and filled with patriotic spirit.
Action Songs & Rhymes: The tiny tots of Play Group and Nursery sang simple rhymes like “Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon” and performed hand gestures, making everyone smile. Their innocent attempts at synchronizing steps were cheered loudly by parents.
Dance Performances: Children from Jr. KG and Sr. KG presented vibrant group dances on patriotic songs. Their colourful costumes and coordinated movements filled the stage with energy.
“I Love My India” Showcase: Each child came forward and spoke one line about India—“India is my country,” “Our flag has three colours,” “I love my school, I love my India.” This segment, though brief, showed how little ones could express pride in their own words.
The highlight was a mini parade where children dressed as freedom fighters walked across the stage. Parents were thrilled to see their little ones dressed as historical figures, holding placards of slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Jai Hind.”
Storytelling and Value Talk
To ensure that the message of Independence Day was meaningful, the teachers narrated a short story about bravery and truth. The tale of a young child who stood up for honesty in a small village was linked to the idea of courage shown by freedom fighters.
This storytelling session ensured that children not only performed but also understood values like bravery, teamwork, and truthfulness. Parents later expressed how important such sessions are in today’s times, when values need to be nurtured at an early age.
Creative Expressions – Art and Craft Exhibition
Throughout the week leading up to Independence Day, children had been busy making tricolour badges, flags, handprint art, and paper flowers. These artworks were displayed during the event, transforming the school into a gallery of patriotism.
For the children, pointing at their creations and proudly telling their parents, “I made this!” was an achievement in itself. It not only boosted their creativity but also gave them a sense of contribution to the big day.
Parents and Community Participation
One of the most remarkable aspects of the celebration was the active involvement of parents and community children. About 40 parents attended the event and participated in a quick interactive quiz on national symbols. Questions like “What is the national animal of India?” and “How many spokes are in the Ashoka Chakra?” created a fun learning moment for all.
Parents also joined in singing patriotic songs with the children, turning the atmosphere into one of togetherness and unity. The presence of 50 community children further extended the school’s vision of building bonds beyond classrooms and ensuring that cultural values reach a wider audience.
Behind the Scenes: The Role of Teachers and Staff
While the children were the stars of the event, the teachers and staff of Lead Up International Pre-School were the real backbone. From weeks of rehearsals, costume preparations, stage décor, to ensuring safety and discipline—every detail was meticulously handled.
The non-teaching staff too played an important role in managing seating, refreshments, and maintaining cleanliness. The seamless execution of the programme was a testimony to the dedication of the entire school team.
Learning Outcomes from the Celebration
For preschool children, celebrations are not just about entertainment—they are opportunities for holistic learning. The Independence Day 2025 celebration helped children in:
Building Confidence: Performing on stage and speaking in front of an audience.
Language Development: Reciting rhymes, singing songs, and repeating patriotic slogans.
Cognitive Growth: Recognizing tricolour, national symbols, and connecting with their meaning.
Social Skills: Teamwork, sharing stage space, and respecting peers.
Emotional Development: Feeling pride, joy, and belongingness to the nation.
Parents also acknowledged how such celebrations enhance their children’s personalities at such a young age.
Voices from the Event
Some memorable reflections included:
“It’s overwhelming to see such small children performing with so much confidence. My child is only 3, and today she said ‘Jai Hind’ loudly on stage. That’s a proud moment for us as parents.” – A parent participant.
“We wanted this day to be joyful, educational, and patriotic. The children might not fully understand freedom yet, but they are learning values like unity, love, and respect for the nation. That is our goal.” – A teacher from the school.
“Our foundation believes in nurturing not just education but also culture and values. Seeing parents, community, and children together today is a true reflection of India’s unity in diversity.” – Mrs. Lipika Avinash Shelar, Director.
Acknowledging the Efforts
The success of the Independence Day celebration was possible due to the vision and leadership of the Shivaji Shelar Memorial Foundation, guided by Mrs. Lipika Avinash Shelar and Mrs. Minakshi Shivaji Shelar. Their constant encouragement, along with the dedication of teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers, made the day memorable.
A Celebration to Remember
The Independence Day 2025 celebration at Lead Up International Pre-School was more than just an event—it was a vibrant lesson of love for the nation. With over 120 participants, including 30 preschoolers, 50 community children, and 40 parents, the day truly reflected the values of unity, freedom, and collective joy.
Children returned home with not just chocolates and small takeaways but with memories of singing, dancing, and saluting the flag. Parents left with hearts full of pride, knowing their little ones were already being shaped into responsible, value-driven citizens of tomorrow.
Conclusion
Independence Day is about remembering our past, living in the present, and preparing for the future. At Lead Up International Pre-School, Talegaon Dabhade, this spirit was celebrated with colour, energy, and heartfelt participation.
As the sun set on 15th August 2025, the voices of children shouting “Jai Hind!” echoed in the premises, leaving behind a message—freedom is best celebrated when shared with love, unity, and joy.
Lead Up International Pre-School, Talegaon Dabhade
(A Project of Shivaji Shelar Memorial Foundation)
📍 46/A3, Chandrakant Residency, Satyakamal Colony, Near Datta Mandir, Talegaon Dabhade
📞 7887914668
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