Pragati College Celebrates 80th Independence Day; Students Urged to Become Leaders, Not Followers

Pragati College Principal Dr Soumya Nayyar addresses students and faculty members during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the college campus in Raipur on Saturday, August 15, 2026. She urged students to concentrate on their education, develop independent thinking and aspire to become leaders rather than merely following other-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via Pragati College .

Principal Dr Soumya Nayyar hoists the Tricolour; calls upon students to focus on education, develop independent thinking and set an example for others

Raipur: Pragati College celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing together students, faculty members and the college administration for the flag-hoisting ceremony and a programme dedicated to remembering the sacrifices behind India’s freedom.

College Principal Dr Soumya Nayyar, accompanied by Administrator Jyoti Thakur, hoisted the National Flag as students and faculty members joined the Independence Day celebrations on the college campus.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Nayyar said Independence Day holds significant memories in the hearts of Indians and extended her greetings and best wishes to students, faculty members and staff on the national occasion.

Her message to students, however, went beyond the ceremonial celebration of Independence Day.

Describing students as the country’s future leaders, Dr Nayyar urged them to remain focused on their education, develop independent judgement and avoid becoming unnecessarily drawn into political agendas at the cost of their studies.

She encouraged young people not simply to follow others, but to develop the qualities that would enable them to lead.

“Students are our future leaders. Rather than merely following someone, they should strive to become leaders themselves and set an example for others,” she said.

The message underlined the responsibility that accompanies freedom — particularly for a younger generation that will eventually assume leadership roles in different fields of national life.

Dr K.N. Gajpal, Head of the Department of Education, addresses the Independence Day gathering at Pragati College in Raipur on Saturday. He urged students to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for India’s freedom and to draw inspiration from their values-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via Pragati College

Remember Those Who Made Freedom Possible: Dr Gajpal

Addressing the Independence Day gathering, Dr K.N. Gajpal, Head of the Department of Education, stressed the importance of understanding the country’s values and remembering the people whose struggles and sacrifices made India’s freedom possible.

He urged students to draw inspiration from those who fought for the country and to understand that the freedom enjoyed by today’s generation was achieved through the sacrifices of generations before them.

Students present patriotic songs during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Pragati College, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Students participated in cultural programmes as part of the college’s celebrations, adding youthful energy and patriotic spirit to the occasion-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via Pragati College

Students Add Patriotic Spirit Through Cultural Performances

Students also took an active part in the 80th Independence Day celebrations, presenting cultural programmes and patriotic songs that added enthusiasm and a sense of national pride to the occasion. Their performances brought students and faculty members together in the spirit of the day and complemented the messages of responsibility, leadership and remembrance delivered by the speakers.

The celebration, therefore, should not remain limited to flag-hoisting and patriotic programmes, but should also encourage young people to understand the values, responsibilities and history associated with India’s independence.

The campus reflected the spirit of the occasion with the Tricolour prominently displayed and students and faculty members participating in the programme.

Students and faculty members gather on the Pragati College campus in Raipur for India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as the campus takes on the colours of the Tricolour-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via Pragati College

Manu Rawani, Head of the Science Department, and Dr Amit Singh Thakur, Head of Commerce and Management, were among those present. Faculty members from different departments and a large number of students also participated in the celebrations.

The gathering brought together different academic departments of Pragati College around a common message — that Independence Day is both a celebration of India’s freedom and an occasion for the younger generation to consider its responsibilities towards the country’s future.

As India marked its 80th Independence Day, the message from Pragati College remained centred on students: remember those who fought for freedom, value the opportunities that independence has provided, concentrate on education and acquire the confidence to lead rather than simply follow.

Principal Dr Soumya Nayyar hoists the Tricolour alongside Administrator Jyoti Thakur as students and faculty members join the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Pragati College, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The ceremony reflected the spirit of patriotism and remembrance as the college community came together to celebrate the nation’s freedom-Video Credit:primelookindia.com via Pragati College