India turns 74, but “Yeh Dil Maange More!”

By: Aanyaa Garatikar - Mumbai

Today, NES International School, Mumbai celebrated India’s entry into its 75th year of independence through an awe-inspiring event broadcast globally on YouTube. 

Students across all grades of the school collaborated under the able guidance of the teachers to put up an inspiring show complete with song, dance and drama. The highlight of the event was the re-creation of Captain Vikram Batra’s story, one of India’s bravest martyrs of the Kargil War. 

The event began with the Founder-Principal, Dr. R. Varadarajan Sir, hoisting the tricolor and singing the National Anthem. In an encouraging speech, he offered homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country, and also inspired the students when he said, “Like Captain Vikram Batra, I want you to take care of your own home, your own institution and your own country!”

What followed was a dramatized version of Captain Vikram Batra’s story, interspersed with colorful song and dance routines, which ended with his valiant battle to recapture Point 4875 from the enemy’s clutches, in which he also laid down his life. 

The event lasted for almost two hours by the end of which each of its spectators was brimming with pride and patriotism for their beloved country, India. So touching and authentic was the retelling of this story that Captain Batra’s famous slogan, “Yeh Dil Maange More”, stayed with the spectators long after the event was over. 

A student of NES International School Mumbai, said, “This was a wonderful event which made me feel very proud of all those who have given their lives for our country! I am proud to be an Indian!”