Dear friends,
As the Tricolour rises majestically into the sky this Independence Day, it reminds us of a truth that generations of Indians have carried in their hearts:
We are free because someone before us had the courage to sacrifice.
We are strong because someone before us had the courage to stand.
We are here because someone before us had the courage to dream of a free Bharat.
On this 79th anniversary of our Independence, every Indian can proudly proclaim, “I am proud to be an Indian.” With an equal pride and humility, every member of the DAV family can say, “I am proud to be from DAV.” But this pride comes with a responsibility.
The DAV movement has been privileged to be a part of India’s journey towards freedom and Nation building. From the great revolutionaries and freedom fighters associated with the DAV – Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh ji, Chander Shekhar Azad ji, Lala Lajpat Rai ji, and countless other brave souls – to the soldiers who laid down their lives defending the sovereignty of our Nation, the story of DAV is inseparably woven into the story of Bharat.
The struggle for the Nation did not end in 1947, it continued on the battlefields where our brave soldiers defended our borders. It continued in Kargil. It continued where an Indian Uniform stood between the Nation and the enemy. And it continues today in countless silent acts of service, courage, and sacrifice. Many of our brave DAV Alumni, who made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland, were honoured by the DAV in the recent past. Their lives remind us that patriotism is not merely something that we celebrate once a year – it is something that we must live every day.
Our ancestors dreamt of a Bharat built on the foundations of Character, courage, truth, and integrity. These values are not merely relics of another age, but are the very foundations upon which the Bharat of tomorrow must be built. And this is where DAV has a unique responsibility. God has entrusted us with the privilege of shaping young minds.
We do not merely educate children for examinations. We prepare them for life. We do not merely give them knowledge; we strive to give them character. Because ultimately, character is the true measure of education — and character is the strength of a nation.
Patriotism is not only about saluting the National Flag or singing the National Anthem. It is about what we do when nobody is watching.
It is about being honest when dishonesty is easier.
It is about respecting those who may be different from us.
It is about serving society without expecting recognition.
It is about protecting our environment, helping those in need, standing against injustice and, above all, becoming worthy citizens of this great nation we have inherited.
Every teacher who inspires a child, every parent who teaches values, every student who chooses knowledge over ignorance, and every citizen who chooses integrity over convenience is contributing to the making of a stronger Bharat.
Our forefathers fought for political freedom.
Our generation must fight for freedom from ignorance, intolerance, dishonesty and indifference.
Let us resolve to carry the light of knowledge into every home, every village and every corner of our great nation. Let us ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn, dream and rise.
The freedom fighters gave us a free Bharat. It is now our sacred duty to build a stronger Bharat.
Let us carry forward the flame they lit.
Let us educate.
Let us empower.
Let us serve.
And let us, together, build the Bharat that our ancestors dreamed of and our children deserve.
On this proud and sacred occasion, I extend my warmest greetings to the entire DAV & the Arya Samaj family — our students, teachers, principals, parents, alumni and well-wishers across India and around the world.
May the blessings of the Almighty always be upon you and your families. May the Tricolour always fly high. May Bharat continue to rise.
Jai Hind!
Punam Suri
President
DAV College Managing Committee
Arya Pradeshik Pratinidhi Sabha