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Prayer Service for Independence Day of India - 15 August

Theme: The Truth Shall Make You Free" Quote: Into that heaven of Freedom my Father, let my country awake R. Tagore. Logo: He loves his country best who strives to make it best Robert S. Ingersoll Ritual A/B/C: Humans in chains symbolizing socio-economic and spiritual bondage. . Event: 15 August Independence Day Scripture: I Cor. 8/9 Prayer Songs: Hindustan Hamara / Born Free / Prayer for our Country (R.Tagore). Requirements: Materials: placards, TV model,Mobile, junk food; long rope/chain; white dupatta. ) Introductory Song: Hindustan Hamara Refer: http://youtu.be/teB0uOfRuZY (As the assembly gathers for the prayer the choir may sing or played on the sound system) Leader: Today we celebrate (in 2013) the 67th Independence Day of India when India attained freedom from British Raj and (in 2013) 66 years of freedom for Bharat Mata. India is the worlds largest democracy and accounts for a huge human population of 1.27 billion (2013) with more than 65% of its population below the age of 35; a valuable human resource / capital to be harnessed for growth. Patriotism means to stand by the country with the dedication of lifetime because one is born in it. As true patriots we celebrate our freedom won by the sacrifice of our forefathers and commemorate that historical event with great pride and enthusiasm. Let us rejoice in singing with the choir the song The Song - Born Free:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISWOrI0WaLs Reader 1: Free India is marching ahead on the path of progress and prosperity thanks to the sacrifice, energy and life of workers, farmers, soldiers, technicians, scientists, artisans whose goodness and hard work contribute to the economy and status of the country. We are touched and inspired by the lives of those who teach, defend and uphold the values of freedom and integrity in the ordinary lives of many who cross our paths daily - at home, in the school, society, country and world at large. The Real India lies beneath the shining India of impressive airports, super highways, sky towers, financial institutions and infrastructure. India is amongst the emerging super powers of the world but is still in the UN list of developing countries being seized by poverty and corruption. Although we are politically free we are still the slaves of illiteracy, exploitation, injustice, gender hostility (female feticide, gang rape, acid attack) etc., and need to address ourselves to these problems to usher in a truly significant independence. One third of our 1.27 billion population lives below the levels of human sustenance in grinding poverty.
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Ritual A: {5 Students dressed in white on stage - with placards (Caste system,Child labour,Crime,Corruption, Consumerism)- are bound in chains or rope to symbolize the socio-economic bondage ) Reader 2: In a world of immense progress in communication and technology, we are battling the dreadful evils of indignity, crime, violence which terrorize and trap us in bondage. The cruel chains of caste and class, gender injustice and communalism, child abuse and child labour, corruption and scam, crime and terrorism, consumerism and pollution, poverty and illiteracy have blocked the freedom and growth of our country. Ritual B: {3 students each with a model of television/ mobile phone/ junk food as pepsi/lays/pizza to symbolize personal/spiritual bondage come in as message is read and join the 1st enchained group. } Leader: Real freedom is the freedom of the heart that sets the spirit free to live in peace and harmony with enlightened choices. With the latest electronic gadgets that make work easy and life comfortable, are we truly free as persons or in bondage to selfishness, pride, greed, envy without self control and self discipline? (Student holding the model of TV takes position on the stage) Reader 3: Television makes it possible for us to see in our homes what is happening far and beyond the borders ; events that occur in other cities /countries /continents directly telecast through the satellite. Television brings the musician and music, the actor and performance, politician and parliament within the four walls of our homes. The advertisements publicized on the TV and other media fascinate us. The TV telecast many educative and informative programmes to broaden our knowledge and perspective; but we waste our time aimlessly watching unnecessary channels, distracted by the advertisements which tempt us to buy luxury items we do not need and fall prey to consumerism to satisfy our wild desires. (Student with a Mobile phone or iPod) Reader 4: Mobile phones have revolutionized our lives in this digital age. The ability to access connection, transaction and communication instantly has shrunk our world to a global village. But we can be addicted to the computer / mobile - virtual world of games, internet, face book spending long hours with one who is distant and have/give no time or thought to interact with family members at home. (Student holding junk food) Reader 5: We are attracted to junk foods as pepsi, pizza, vad pav, Chinese noodles and fried foods. Junk or fast foods as burgers, colas, wraps, wafers are tasty, quick, convenient, fashionable in glossy wrappers, but are found to be high in fat and sugar causing obesity in children. Junk foods do not provide the essential healthy nutrients for our body and yet we are addicted to the taste and choose them as a substitute for balanced diet. We observe how we have become slaves to the materialistic culture, with disregard to the mastery of self. Let us now listen to the reading from the scripture read to us.

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 8:9.

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Reader 6: Scripture Reading is taken from the I letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians ch. 8 verse 9. Only be careful that this freedom of yours does not in any way turns into an obstacle to trip those who are vulnerable. Reader 7: (Reflection): Freedom is the most prized of all the blessings that we thank God for it. It is said that The truth shall make you free. Freedom is responsibility to live with a purpose for which God made us. Man was made in the image of God to be like Him - to reflect Gods goodness and holiness. Freedom is doing what is right and good, true and honourable, honest and just that brings inner joy of the spirit. Freedom is not to damage others but to seek the good of others in love. True patriotism hates injustices in its own land more than anywhere else (Clarence Darrow). We pray that we prize the freedom to be fine persons and rejoice in the blessings that flow in the law of love. Reader 8: Prayer Song: "Geetanjali" - R.Tagore (J. Lips O1/ Pray Sing No. 375): http://youtu.be/Z95PfCuFeUU Rabindranath Tagore wrote the poem Where the Mind is Without Fear in the year 1913 before Independence during the British Rule. This poem represents Tagore's dream of the new awakened India as a blissful heaven of freedom. Tagore prays for a heaven of freedom, to indicate the anguish of slavery prevailing then. People are afraid. Knowledge confined to few. The Nation fractured into isolated segments by geographical and political divide and rule policy. The poet prays to God that Indians be progressive in thought & action with the power to discern the ugly and irrational; be loyal to divine guidance to make India a free, united and dynamic nation - a paradise on earth. Ritual C: (During the prayer two students sweep the white dupatta over the persons chained, while two/three students loosen the chains to set them free). Leader: Response will be the chorus of the song,sung with the choir:Repeat the chorus: Chorus: Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, / let my country awake." 1. Where the mind is without fear / and the head is held high; Chorus: 2. Where knowledge is free; Chorus: 3. Where the world has not been / broken up into fragments / by narrow domestic walls; Chorus: 4. Where words come out from / the depth of truth; Chorus: 5. Where tireless striving stretches / its arms towards perfection; Chorus: 6. Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary/ desert sand of dead habit; Ch 7. Where the mind is lead forward by thee / into ever-widening thought and action; Chorus Prayer for our Nation (Principal/ Teacher) Almighty God, bless our Nation and make it true to the ideals of freedom, justice and brotherhood for all who make it great. Guard us from war, terrorism, calamities, fire, floods and droughts; from hatred, fear & corruption. Give to the leaders of our government the wisdom and courage to respect the rights of everyone and work for the welfare of citizens to establish peace and justice for all. Make us deeply aware of our heritage, not only our rights and privilege but also our duties and responsibilities as citizens. Grant us to fulfill the destiny you have ordained for us and our nation. Concluding Song: Honge Kamiyaab Refer: http://youtu.be/NizrBxg1wvQ {When the prayer service is over we continue with the flag hoisting ceremony.}
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Flag Hoisting Ceremony Today we pay a mark of respect to our freedom fighters because of which we are breathing the air of freedom which does not have the elements of exploitation and repression. If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. Each one of us can make a difference; together we make a change. Let us love our country for it is the land where our ancestors sleep, where our mother tongue is spoken; it is the home that God has given us that by striving to perfect ourselves here, we may prepare to ascend to him(Giuseppe M). Let us unfurl the national flag praying that the tricolors endow us with peace /prosperity/purity. As the flag goes up - Salute the flag. and Sing. the national anthem Jana gana mana Let us recite the General pledge India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters./ I love my country. I am proud of its rich and varied heritage./ I shall always strive to be worthy of it./ I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders, respect, and treat everyone with courtesy./ To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion./ In their well being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness. March Past Parade Speech / Song / Skit We pay our respect to all the soldiers in the armed services (Army, Navy, Air force) who sacrifice their precious youth and life only to protect us from enemies/terrorists/calamities. We hold them always in our hearts and remember them in prayer to the Lord. (One minute silent prayer to the heroes and martyrs who have died on duty) - Jai Hind!!!! Concluding song: Vande Materam Refer: http://youtu.be/VtMEWGfOFEo Vande Maataram, vande maataram / Sujala sufala malayaja-shitalaam / Shashya-shyaamala maataram / Vande maataram Shubhra-jyotsna-pulakita yaamini / Phulakusumati-drumadala shobhini / Suhaasini sumadhur bhaashini / Sukhada varada maataram / Vande maataram Jai Bharath! Jai Hind! This Independence Day, I pledge to ..(Resolve on at least two things) * Remember the greatness of India and its values while striving to do well materially * Stop blaming politicians and the system and take responsibility for bringing about change * Strive to root out all evil from our society - whether linked to caste, gender, creed, class, language, regionalism, corruption, child labour, female infanticide, intolerance, etc. * Fight against all forms of discrimination * Take life seriously and stop the chalta hai (its okay) attitude * Strive towards excellence in all spheres * Strive to uplift those weaker than us - whether physically or materially * Strive to live for others * Promise to bring about one positive change to the lives of others - however big or small * Learn to be happy always and spread this happiness around the world ..
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Song 1: Hindustan Hamara Refer:http://youtu.be/teB0uOfRuZY Saare jahaan se achha / Hindustan hamaara Hum bulbule(n) hai(n) uski / Woh gulsitaan hamaara. Parbat woh sabse uncha / Hamsaya a'smanka Woh santari hamaara / Woh pasban hamaara. Godime(n) khelti hai(n) / Jiski hazaaro(n) nadiya Gulshan hai jinki damse / Raksh-I-jinan hamaara.. Mazhab nahin sikhaata / Aapas main bair rakhna Hindi hain hum watan hai / Hindustan hamaara. Song 2: The song - Born Free: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISWOrI0WaLs Born free, as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows, Born free to follow your heart. Live free and beauty surrounds you, the world still astounds you, Each time you look at the stars. Stay free where no walls divide you, you're free as the roaring tide, So there's no need to hide. Born free and life is worth living, but only worth living Cause you're born free.

Song 3: Into that heaven: (Joyful Lips O1/ Pray and Sing 375): http://youtu.be/E0FQOINkkaQ Chorus: Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, / let my country awake." 1. Where the mind is without fear / and the head is held high; Chorus: 2. Where knowledge is free; Chorus: 3. Where the world has not been / broken up into fragments / by narrow domestic walls; Chorus: 4. Where words come out from / the depth of truth; Chorus: 5. Where tireless striving stretches / its arms towards perfection; Chorus: 6. Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary/ desert sand of dead habit; Ch 7. Where the mind is lead forward by thee / into ever-widening thought and action; Chorus Song 4: Honge Kamiyaab Refer: http://youtu.be/NizrBxg1wvQ 1. Hum honge kamiyaab (3), ek din Homan mein hai vishwaas, poora hai vishwaas / Hum honge kamiyaab ek din. 2. Hum chalenge saath-saath / Daal haatho(n) mein hath / Hum chalenge saath-saath, ek din Man mein hai vishwaas, poora hai vishwaas / Hum chalenge saath-saath ek din. 3. Hogi shaanti chaaro aur (3), ek din Man hai vishwaas, poora hai vishwaas / Hogi shaanti chaaro aur ek din. 4. Nahi dar kisi kaa aaj / Nahi bhay kisi ka aaj / Nahi dar kisi ka aaj ek din Man mein hai vishwaas, poora hai vishwaas / Nahi dar kisi ka aaj ek din. 5. Hum honge kamiyaab (3), ek din Homan mein hai vishwaas, poora hai vishwaas / Hum honge kamiyaab ek din.

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