Schools to celebrate 'Freedom Fortnight' from Aug 9

Schools across the country will organise a slew of activities from August 9 to August 23 with the Union Human Resource Development Ministry deciding to celebrate 'Freedom Fortnight' keeping in view the Independence Day.

Among the activities planned is mass singing of the national anthem at 11 AM on August 23.

A statement by the ministry, headed by Prakash Javadekar, said the decision had been taken "to re-instill the spirit of freedom struggle and national movement among the younger generation."

A list of suggested activities is being sent to the secretaries of education in all states and Union territories, heads of CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangatan (KVS) and Navodaya

Vidyalaya Samiti.

The ministry has said it should be ensured that each primary, upper primary, elementary or secondary school takes up at least one activity, and each higher secondary school takes up at least two activities.

Among suggested activities are mass recitations of the national anthem, painting greeting cards for jawans, mass tree plantation drives, talks or plays on the theme of the freedom movement.

The Department of Higher Education has been directed to take necessary steps to celebrate the 'Freedom Fortnight' in a befitting manner in the institutes and autonomous bodies under its purview, the ministry said.