Independence Day at School

On 15th August, Rahul's school holds a flag hoisting ceremony, and he sings the national anthem before enjoying sweets with his classmates.

Meanings in Rahul, Principal, Class teacher, Classmates

Key words and phrases

Independence Day15th August, the day India became free from British ruleWe celebrate Independence Day every year on 15th August.

flag hoistingthe ceremony of raising the national flagThe principal did the flag hoisting at eight in the morning.

national anthemthe official song of a country, sung to honour itEveryone stood up to sing the national anthem.

tricolourthe Indian national flag, with saffron, white, and green stripesThe tricolour fluttered proudly in the wind.

freedom fightera person who fought for the country's independenceThe teacher told us stories about brave freedom fighters.

patriotic songa song that expresses love for one's countryThe choir sang a patriotic song after the flag hoisting.

salutea formal gesture of respect, often with the hand raised to the foreheadThe students gave a salute as the flag went up.

march pasta coordinated walking display performed by students in formationThe senior students opened the function with a march past.

Ashoka Chakrathe wheel symbol at the centre of the Indian flagThe Ashoka Chakra has twenty-four spokes.

sweet distributionhanding out sweets to celebrate an occasionSweet distribution took place after the ceremony.

freedomthe state of being free from control by another countryIndia got its freedom in 1947.

unfurlto unroll and spread out a flagThe chief guest unfurled the flag at the ceremony.

pledgea solemn promiseThe students recited the national pledge together.

martyra person who died for their country or a causeWe remembered the martyrs with a moment of silence.

drilla repeated physical exercise routine, often practised for paradesThe students performed a drill in perfect formation.

tributean act showing respect or admirationThe school paid tribute to the freedom fighters.

chief guestthe main invited guest of honour at an eventA retired army officer was the chief guest this year.

British rulethe period when India was governed by BritainIndia was under British rule for nearly two hundred years.

colonialrelating to a country controlled by another nationThe play showed life during the colonial period.

proudfeeling deep satisfaction and respectRahul felt proud watching the flag go up.

Useful sentences

Ask What time does the flag hoisting start?
Answer It starts at eight o'clock sharp.
Ask Who is hoisting the flag this year?
Answer Our principal will hoist the flag.
Ask Do we need to wear white clothes?
Answer Yes, white clothes are compulsory for Independence Day.
Ask Which patriotic song is the choir singing?
Answer They are singing 'Vande Mataram.'
Ask Will there be sweet distribution after the ceremony?
Answer Yes, everyone will get sweets after the flag hoisting.
Ask Why do we take the pledge on this day?
Answer It reminds us of our duty towards the nation.
Ask How many spokes does the Ashoka Chakra have?
Answer It has twenty-four spokes.
Ask Who is the chief guest this year?
Answer A retired army officer is coming as chief guest.
Ask Did you learn about any freedom fighters in class?
Answer Yes, we learned about Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmibai.
Ask Why do we observe a moment of silence?
Answer It is a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives.

Dialogue

Class TeacherEveryone line up quietly, the flag hoisting is about to begin.

RahulI can't wait to sing the national anthem.

PrincipalGood morning, everyone. Let's begin by unfurling the tricolour.

RahulThe flag looks beautiful against the blue sky.

Class TeacherNow let's all sing the national anthem together.

PrincipalLet us take a moment of silence to pay tribute to our martyrs.

RahulI feel very proud to be here today.

Class TeacherAfter the pledge, we'll have sweet distribution in the classroom.

RahulI learned so much about our freedom fighters this week.

PrincipalThat's wonderful. Remembering their sacrifice is important for all of us.

Common mistakes

Saying "Independence Day of India" instead of "India's Independence Day" or simply "Independence Day" when the context is already clear.
Saying "flag hoisted up" instead of just "the flag was hoisted" (don't add "up" after "hoisted").
Saying "sing national anthem" instead of "sing the national anthem" (don't drop the article "the").
Saying "he did salute" instead of "he saluted" or "he gave a salute."
Saying "India got freedom from British" instead of "India got freedom from British rule" (don't drop "rule").
Saying "we celebrate 15 August" instead of "we celebrate the fifteenth of August" or "we celebrate Independence Day on the fifteenth of August."

Quick quiz

1. What does "flag hoisting" mean?

2. The Indian national flag with saffron, white, and green stripes is called the ___.

3. Complete: "The chief guest ___ the flag at the ceremony."

4. How many spokes does the Ashoka Chakra have?

5. What do we call a person who fought for the country's independence?

6. What does "martyr" mean?

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