Shimla: The state government has directed principals of all colleges and high and higher secondary schools to organise additional activities on Independence Day to create festive and patriotic mood in the state. The students would attend the schools for 2-3 hours for celebrations.

Shimla: The state government has directed principals of all colleges and high and higher secondary schools to organise additional activities on Independence Day to create festive and patriotic mood in the state. The students would attend the schools for 2-3 hours for celebrations.

The instructions have been issued following a letter received from the Union Human Resource Development Ministry, which also gave a detailed list of activities to be undertaken.

The ministry has asked the state government to direct the educational institutions to arrange patriotic programmes and give exposure to children on national integrity and conduct essay, quiz and debate competitions on the theme of struggle for independence and slogan writing.

Other activities suggested by the government include organising prabhat pheris by students with patriotic slogans and banners, painting competitions, school band competitions and band display, PT, parade and march past at district and sub-divisional level.

The screening of periodic films on journey of India’s progress since Independence to the present era, life stories of freedom fighters, scientists, etc, also figures among the additional activities.