15 August 2026

Purushottam High School celebrated the 80th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2026 with great enthusiasm, patriotic spirit and pride. The celebration brought together the school management, teachers, students, parents and distinguished guests to commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and to reaffirm our commitment towards building a responsible and progressive India.

The school was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest Mrs. Lalitha Pravin Garud, an alumna of the 1986 batch, and Guest of Honour Mrs. Ansari Nazma Khatoon, whose presence added grace and significance to the occasion.

The programme commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony, followed by Vande Mataram, the National Anthem and the Rajya Geet. The patriotic spirit continued with a vibrant Kavayat Sanchalan and Patriotic Song, creating an atmosphere of national pride and unity.

A pledge in Hindi was administered to reinforce the values of patriotism, responsibility and citizenship. The gathering also paid tribute to the Founder Members of Purushottam High School, remembering their vision and contribution to the growth of the institution.

The formal programme in the hall began with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Vandana Kamble, followed by a speech by the Pre-Primary Section. A special Pledge for a Drug-Free India was conducted to create awareness among students about the importance of making healthy and responsible choices. The Primary Section presented an energetic Patriotic Dance, adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebration.

The students and the school community also reaffirmed their commitment towards academic integrity through a Pledge for a Copy-Free Examination, followed by a meaningful speech in Marathi by the Secondary Section. Mr. Rajesh Kotian addressed the gathering and shared his thoughts on the significance of Independence Day and the responsibilities of the younger generation.

Address by the Chief Guest

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Lalitha Pravin Garud, addressed the students and shared inspiring thoughts on the significance of Independence Day, the value of education and the responsibilities of young citizens. She encouraged the students to work hard, remain disciplined, uphold good values and contribute positively to society and the nation.

Her words served as an inspiration to the students and reminded them that true independence comes with responsibility, integrity and the determination to make a difference.

The presence of Guest of Honour Mrs. Ansari Nazma Khatoon further added warmth and dignity to the celebration.

A special highlight of the programme was the much-awaited General Proficiency Prize and Best Class Activity – “Welcome Back to School” awards.

SSC Toppers and Subject-wise Toppers – Cash Prize Felicitation

Purushottam High School proudly felicitated its outstanding SSC Toppers and Subject-wise Toppers for their exceptional academic performance, dedication and hard work.

Cash Prizes for SSC Toppers

The school management honoured the top three SSC achievers with the following cash prizes:

• First Prize – ₹15,000
Sponsored by Dr. Asha Hegde, Member of the Management Committee.

• Second Prize – ₹10,000
Sponsored by Ms. Mukta Kotian, Head of the Pre-Primary Section, in fond memory of her parents, Mr. H. Narayan and Mrs. Sundari Narayan.

• Third Prize – ₹5,000
Sponsored by Dr. Asha Hegde, Member of the Management Committee.

In addition, a cash prize of ₹3,000 each for five Merit Students was sponsored by the Management in loving memory of the founders, Lion K. B. Kotian and Lion Lady Jayashree Kotian.

A cash prize of ₹1,000 for Subject-wise Toppers was sponsored by the subject teachers to recognise excellence in individual subjects.

A special prize was awarded for securing 97 marks in English and 98 marks in Social Science along with the contribution from the respective Subject Teachers.

The felicitation was a proud and inspiring moment for the students, their parents and the entire school community. The awards served not merely as a recognition of marks, but as a celebration of hard work, perseverance, determination and the pursuit of excellence.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by the AHM Mrs. Bharti Gadge, followed by the School Anthem.

The Independence Day celebration was a memorable blend of patriotism, gratitude, achievement and inspiration, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of pride in the nation and in the accomplishments of the students of Purushottam High School.