Mankind's struggle for freedom and adoption of various methods by him to be free, is something one must peruse to comprehend the true meaning of patriotism and one's affection for one's motherland. The significance of freedom can be easily understood in the words of the former President of The United States of America, Ronald Wilson Reagan:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same".
The Independence Day programme in St. Joseph's College, Prayagraj on 15th August, 2019, commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Air Vice-Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora, VSM escorted by the College Band and accompanied by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar, Vice-Principal, Rev. Fr. Joseph Sagayanathan, the Additional Administrator, Mr Aubrey McGowan and the Staff Co-ordinator, Mr. Jyoti Dube.
Air Vice-Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora, commissioned in Electronics branch of Aeronautical Engineering on 18th August 1986, has tenanted key appointments such as Chief Engineering Officer of a Su-30 MKI and ALH base in CAC AOR, Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot and Principal Director Engineering of Russian fleets before taking over as SMSO CAC on 01 Dec 18. A recipient of Chief of Air Staff Commendation and Chief of Army Staff Commendation, he is also a Cat. A. engineer and for his distinguished service, he was awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal on 26th January 2018.
The events for the day commenced with the vibrant Bulletin Boards prepared by the respective Houses on the theme of “Indian Independence Struggle”, being judged by the Chief Guest, Air Vice-Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora. Thereafter, the plantation of saplings was organised by the Commerce Association under the guidance of the Chairperson of the Association, Mr. N.B. Lawrence. The planting of the saplings was done by The Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora. The events proceeded further with the singing of a soulful prayer song by the Junior Section Choir followed by the Floral Welcome of the Chief Guest by the Principal and special dignitaries Group Captain Mr. Rajendra Singh Purwar , Chief Engineer Officer, Air Force Station Bamrauli and the Wing Commander Mr. Anirudh Bassak , Staff Officer to the Air Vice Marshal and the Hoisting of The National Flag with the subsequent singing of The National Anthem by the gathering.
After the flag hoisting, the College Cabinet marched, followed by the Athletics Squad, the N.C.C. Cadets, the four House Captains, the Vice-Captains and the C-Squad leaders, setting the pace for the four Houses which followed them last. The Patriotic Song by the students of the KG Section, created a conducive atmosphere for the Speech by the College Captain Utkarsh Singh, who reminded the students of the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the Nation and also gave a message to the young generation to savour the freedom earned and look up to the individuals who made the difference. The Senior Section students sang a melodious patriotic medley which filled the young minds with patriotic fervour and a desire to do something great for their country, India.
The Chief Guest’s speech began with the appreciation of the students showcasing their talents and meticulous performances which reminded him of his school days. He enlightened the congregation on the significance of being healthy, both physically and mentally. In his speech, he mentioned retired Air Chief Marshall N.A.K. Browne who is also an ex-Josephite. He said that retired Air Chief Marshall Browne gave the MIG-21 to the institution as a mark of respect and values which he imbibed from this institution and that he also expects young Josephites to be a part of the Armed Forces. The Chief Guest also emphasised on the mission of the country today, that is ‘’Make In India” which will give us the necessary impetus to be a force in the future where we will not only serve the country but also the entire world. The ending quote by the Air Vice Marshall A.K. Arora was truly an inspiration to the students: “You don’t need a uniform to serve your Nation”. The Principal then presented a Memento to the Chief Guest as a token of respect for sparing his valuable time to spend with the minds of the future.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks given by Mohammad Tabish Ansari , the Head Prefect of the institution thanking the Chief Guest Air Vice Marshall Mr. A.K. Arora for coming to the institution on a short notice and giving an inspiring speech to the students on the 73rd Independence Day. He also thanked the Principal Rev. Fr. Thomas Kumar, the Vice Principal Rev. Fr. Joseph Sagayanathan, the Additional Administrator Mr. Aubrey McGowan and the Staff Co-ordinator, Mr. Jyoti Dube for organising a beautiful programme and also the Teachers and the Support Staff for making this programme memorable.