Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly
Shri Arun Kumar Upadhyay
LD Advocate
Kolkata, 15th August 2026: Marking India’s 80th Independence Day, SPK Jain Futuristic Academy celebrated the spirit of freedom, unity and inclusivity through its special initiative, ‘Bandhan in the Spirit of Freedom’, organised in collaboration with NEEV, an NGO-supported school. Moving beyond a conventional Independence Day celebration, the initiative brought together students from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the values that bind the nation together. The programme highlighted the significance of friendship, equality, togetherness and social responsibility, while encouraging young minds to understand that the true spirit of freedom lies in creating a society where everyone feels included and valued.
The celebration commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony, followed by a series of cultural and commemorative activities that reflected the pride and diversity of India. The participation of students from SPK Jain Futuristic Academy and NEEV added a meaningful dimension to the occasion, turning the celebration into a shared experience of camaraderie and national pride. A key highlight of the celebration was the participation of NEEV students, who presented two special performances, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the programme. In a symbolic gesture of friendship and togetherness, students of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy tied friendship bands and walked hand in hand with the NEEV students towards the stage, representing the spirit of ‘Bandhan’ and reinforcing the message that unity transcends differences.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Asok Kumar Ganguly, Former Supreme Court Judge, as the Chief Guest, along with Mr. Sudhir Kumar Mehta, Senior Advocate, Calcutta High Court, and Ms. Priya Bachawat, Social Worker, as Guests of Honour. Their participation added depth to the occasion, as the students had the opportunity to hear perspectives on citizenship, social responsibility and the importance of contributing meaningfully to society. Their presence also reinforced the central message of the celebration — that the values of freedom, equality and unity must be carried forward by every generation.
The presence of the distinguished guests provided students with an opportunity to engage with accomplished individuals whose professional and social contributions reflect the values of responsibility, service and integrity. Their participation further strengthened the larger message of the initiative — that the journey of nation-building begins with young citizens understanding their responsibilities towards one another and society. The collaboration with NEEV was at the heart of ‘Bandhan in the Spirit of Freedom’, creating a platform where children came together without barriers to celebrate their shared identity as young Indians. The initiative demonstrated how educational institutions can use national occasions to foster empathy, inclusivity and meaningful social connections among students.
Speaking on this, Dr. Jayeeta Ganguly, Principal of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy, said, “Independence Day reminds us not only of the freedom our nation achieved but also of the responsibility we have to preserve the values that unite us. ‘Bandhan in the Spirit of Freedom’ was an effort to make our students experience these values through friendship, inclusion and togetherness. Our collaboration with NEEV made the celebration particularly meaningful, as it brought children together and reinforced the belief that every young citizen has a role to play in building a stronger India.”
Shri Jaideep Patwa, Secretary of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy, said, “Independence Day is a celebration of the freedom that shaped our nation, but it is equally a reminder of the values that must guide its future. Through ‘Bandhan in the Spirit of Freedom’, we wanted our students to experience the meaning of unity not just as an idea, but as something they can practise through friendship, inclusion and mutual respect. Bringing the children of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy and NEEV together was a small yet meaningful step towards nurturing a generation that understands that a stronger India is built when we stand together.”
The celebration reflected SPK Jain Futuristic Academy’s commitment to holistic education, where academic learning is complemented by opportunities that cultivate compassion, civic awareness, social responsibility and respect for diversity. Through ‘Bandhan in the Spirit of Freedom’, the Academy reinforced a simple yet powerful message: the strength of a nation lies not only in its freedom, but in the bonds of unity, friendship and shared responsibility that hold its people together.
