A SALUTE TO THE NATION’S PRIDE AT SRMIST
The 76th Republic Day celebration at SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Ramapuram Campus, on the 26th of January 2025, was a remarkable event commemorating the unity, diversity, and patriotism of our nation. The program commenced at 8:00 AM and was meticulously organized to honor the historical and cultural significance of Republic Day, uniting the entire campus in a spirit of national pride and reverence.
The event began with the welcoming of the Chief Guest, Dr. Arumugam Murugaiya, MD & CEO of Broadline Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, accompanied by Dr. E. Bhaskaran from the MSME Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Distinguished dignitaries including Associate Director Dr. K.V Narayanan, Dean (E&T) Dr. M. Sakthi Ganesh, Asst. Dean (Campus Life) Dr. Jean Ida Gunaseeli, Dean (Student Affairs) Dr. Ravichandran, Dean (Alumni Affairs) Dr. S. Usha Menon, Dean (SEAD) Dr. V. Aravindh, Dr. Mahalakshmi on behalf of Dean(E&T), Principal (EEC) Dr. P. Deiva Sundari ,VP (Admin) Dr. Balika Chellaiah,VP (S&H) Dr. Dhilipan, VP (Academics) Dr. Subhashini graced the occasion with their presence, contributing to the prestige of the event.
At precisely 8:10 AM, the event proceeded with a warm welcome address setting a cordial and enthusiastic tone for the celebration. This was followed by the soulful rendition of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, invoking the spirit of Tamil heritage and pride. At 8:15 AM, the National Flag was unfurled with great honor and respect, accompanied by a salute by the attendees, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and unity.
The solemn proceedings continued with the recital of the Indian National Anthem and the pledge, reinforcing the values of dedication and loyalty towards the nation.
This marked the beginning of the ceremonial segment, followed by the felicitation of the Chief Guest by Dean (E&T) Dr. M. Sakthi Ganesh, Asst. Dean (Campus Life) Dr. Jean Ida
Gunaseeli, Dean (SEAD) Dr. V. Aravindh and VP (Admin) Dr. Balika Chellaiah, acknowledging their contributions and presence at this special occasion.
An inspiring speech was delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Arumugam Murugaiya, highlighting the importance of the Republic Day celebration and the values embedded in the Constitution of India. The Chief Guest also emphasized the need for unity, discipline, and responsibility among citizens, especially the younger generation. The speech was well- received, evoking a sense of pride and motivation among the attendees. Following this, a distinguished guest shared their thoughts on the occasion, further enriching the event.
the Chief Guest, Mr. Baskaran, MSME Department, delivered an inspiring speech on the 10 key qualities required to become a successful entrepreneur. He emphasized the importance of vision, financial literacy, networking, and adaptability while encouraging students to explore opportunities provided by government initiatives for MSMEs. Highlighting the need for innovation, ethical practices, and customer focus, he motivated the audience to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to personal and national growth. His practical advice and thought- provoking insights left the attendees inspired and eager to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The cultural segment of the celebration began at 8:45 AM, featuring a series of vibrant and patriotic performances by students. The program showcased a Silambam performance, which highlighted India’s rich martial arts tradition, emphasizing physical strength, discipline, and cultural heritage. Additionally, a melodious band performance captivated the audience with its patriotic compositions, stirring a deep sense of national pride.
A dance performance followed, portraying the diverse cultural fabric of India. Students presented a colorful and well-coordinated routine that celebrated the nation’s unity in diversity. The highlight of the cultural segment was the human pyramid performance, which symbolized teamwork, strength, and perseverance qualities integral to the spirit of the Republic.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of everyone involved in making the celebration a grand success. The Campus Life Coordinators, Dr. S. Visnu Dharsini and Dr. Monika Venkatachalam, were recognized for their exceptional organization and coordination. The Physical Directors and NSS teams were also acknowledged for their support in ensuring the seamless execution of the event.
The event commenced with a grand March Past by the college security team, marking the arrival of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The security personnel displayed impeccable discipline and synchronization, creating a formal and respectful atmosphere as they led the procession to the seating arrangement.
Once the March Past concluded, the dignitaries were escorted to their designated seats, signifying the official start of the event. The opening act reflected the institution’s commitment to tradition and set the tone for the proceedings that followed.
A student representative delivered the welcome address, warmly greeting all attendees and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their participation. The speech set a positive and inclusive tone for the event, fostering a sense of unity and enthusiasm among everyone present.
The student highlighted the significance of the occasion, reflecting on its purpose and values. They extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, participants, and audience members, ensuring that each person felt acknowledged and involved in the celebration.
The traditional Tamil song, “Tamil Thai Vazhthu,” was performed to honor Tamil culture and heritage. It symbolized respect and pride for the Tamil people and is often sung at significant events. The performance at the beginning of the event reflected a deep connection to cultural roots, paying tribute to the heritage that united the gathering.
The flag unfurling ceremony followed, marking a solemn moment as the national flag was raised. This included a salute to the flag, symbolizing loyalty and reverence for the country. The unfurling of the flag served as a reminder of the event’s significance, officially starting the celebration. Shortly after, the National Anthem was sung, a moment of national pride and unity, as everyone stood in reverence to honor the country’s values and principles.
The National Pledge was recited as a moment of collective commitment and pride. As everyone stood in unison, the words resonated with a deep sense of patriotism and responsibility towards the nation. The pledge, with its focus on unity, integrity, and devotion to the country, reinforced the values that bind us as citizens of India.
Each individual, with hands raised in respect, reaffirmed their allegiance to the nation’s ideals of justice, liberty, and equality. The recitation served as a reminder of our shared duty to contribute to the nation’s progress and uphold its sovereignty. It was a solemn and inspiring moment, bringing together everyone present in a spirit of national pride and collective purpose.
This segment involved formal felicitations for the Chief Guests, expressing deep gratitude for their presence and contribution to the event. The Chief Guests, Mr. Arumugam Murugaiya and Mr. Baskaran, were honored with mementos as a token of appreciation, acknowledging their stature and the significance of their participation. Dean (E&T) Dr. M. Sakthi Ganesh, Asst. Dean (Campus Life) Dr. Jean Ida Gunaseeli, Dean (SEAD) Dr. V. Aravindh and VP (Admin) Dr. Balika Chellaiah, presented the felicitations, offering words of admiration and recognition for their accomplishments. This gesture further elevated their role in the event, highlighting their valuable contributions to the occasion.
The speech by the Dean (E&T) Dr. M. SakthiGanesh, began with a warm welcome to the Chief Guests, Mr. Arumugam Murugaiya and Mr. Baskaran. The Dean expressed deep gratitude for their presence, recognizing the immense value of their participation in the event. Their contributions to the field and their ongoing commitment to excellence were acknowledged as sources of inspiration for all present. The Dean also highlighted the importance of such gatherings in strengthening bonds and encouraging collaboration within the community.
In addition to recognizing their accomplishments, the Dean emphasized the significance of the event and the role of the Chief Guests in elevating its stature. Words of admiration were shared, and the Chief Guests were presented with mementos as a token of appreciation. This gesture served as a fitting tribute to their remarkable achievements, acknowledging their impact and elevating their role in the celebration. The speech concluded with a sincere thank you to both Chief Guests for their valuable presence and contributions.
The cultural performance featured an impressive Silambam demonstration by the students of SRM Nightingale School, West Mambalam. Silambam, an ancient Tamil martial art, is known for its agility, precision, and the graceful use of sticks. The performers showcased their skills with remarkable coordination, moving in sync as they demonstrated various techniques and stances. Their performance captivated the audience, blending strength and elegance seamlessly.
With swift footwork and skillful stick handling, the students displayed the essence of Silambam, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. Each move reflected the deep- rooted traditions of Tamil Nadu, offering a glimpse into this age-old martial art. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers brought the art form to life, leaving the audience in awe of their talent and discipline. The performance was a fitting tribute to Tamil heritage, adding excitement and depth to the cultural celebration of the day.
The Silambam performance by the MBA student Ms. Neha student was a captivating display of skill, agility, and tradition. With precision and grace, the performers showcased the art of Silambam, an ancient Tamil martial art known for its use of sticks. Their movements were synchronized and powerful, demonstrating both strength and fluidity.
The performance reflected the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, blending martial techniques with artistic expression. The students executed various forms and stances with remarkable coordination, capturing the audience’s attention. Their dedication to mastering the art was evident in every step, leaving a lasting impression on all who watched. This display not only celebrated Silambam but also highlighted the empowerment of women in carrying forward such valuable traditions.
The dance performance by the E&T students was a vibrant and energetic tribute to the nation, set to a medley of patriotic songs. The performers, dressed in colorful traditional attire, moved gracefully to the rhythm, their expressions filled with pride and unity. The choreography beautifully reflected the spirit of nationalism, with each movement symbolizing love and respect for the country. The dance captured the essence of India’s rich cultural diversity and its shared aspirations for progress and harmony.
As the students performed, the audience was drawn into the emotion and energy of the moment. The patriotic songs resonated deeply, and the synchronized steps of the dancers brought the audience together in a collective sense of pride. The performance not only entertained but also inspired everyone present, serving as a powerful reminder of the values that bind the nation together. It was a fitting celebration of patriotism and national unity.
The music band performance was a remarkable display of talent and unity, as our students sang the iconic patriotic song “Vande Mataram” without any audio support. The performance was entirely a cappella, with every note and rhythm created by the students themselves. Their voices harmonized beautifully, filling the air with the powerful and emotional melody of the song.
The students’ dedication and vocal skills were evident as they captured the essence of the song, creating an atmosphere of national pride. The absence of instrumental support made the performance even more impressive, showcasing the students’ ability to carry the music purely through their voices. This heartfelt rendition of “Vande Mataram” resonated deeply with the audience, evoking a sense of unity and patriotism. It was a truly unforgettable moment in the celebration.
The human pyramid formation during the band performance added a stunning visual element to the event. As the students sang “Vande Mataram”, they skillfully transitioned into a series of intricate human pyramids, each formation more impressive than the last. The students exhibited exceptional strength, coordination, and balance, supporting each other to create towering structures. These pyramids symbolized unity, teamwork, and the collective strength of the nation.
The performers carefully executed each move, ensuring the pyramids were both stable and visually striking. As the formations grew taller, the audience was left in awe of the students’ precision and synchronization. The pyramid sequences were not just a display of physical prowess but also a powerful representation of solidarity and national pride. The students’ ability to hold their positions while singing with such energy and emotion added depth to the performance. The human pyramids, coupled with the a cappella rendition of the patriotic song, created a truly unforgettable moment that captured the essence of unity and pride for the country.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the event, all the institution’s students, along with the Campus Life team, NSS team, and Discipline Committee members, gathered for a group photo. This moment was a fitting reflection of the collective effort that went into making the event a success. The photo served as a reminder of the teamwork and collaboration between various groups, each contributing their time and energy to ensure everything ran smoothly. With everyone standing together, it symbolized the unity and spirit of the institution, celebrating not just the event but the shared sense of accomplishment.
The Campus Life students, in particular, played a key role in organizing and coordinating the event, working alongside the NSS team and Discipline Committee members to bring the celebration to life. As they posed for the photo, the pride in their hard work and dedication was evident. The group photo captured the essence of the day, marking a memorable end to a successful event and creating a lasting memory of the teamwork and camaraderie that made it all possible.
