Namaskar,
On the 79th Independence Day of India, I would like to share a beautiful quote by Rabindranath Tagore:
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; where knowledge is free… into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!”
This timeless verse from his poem Gitanjali envisions freedom as a state of mind—marked by fearlessness, knowledge, and unity. This is the very vision we strive to I.G.N.I.T.E. at Hillwoods Academy Primary School: the ability to express oneself without fear.
Discipline is important, but when it becomes excessive, it can rob children of joy, especially in a K–5 institution, where students should be free to express themselves, make mistakes, explore, and learn. Teachers today are not authoritarian figures, but facilitators of learning and change, mentors who encourage students to ask questions, feel confident, and discover their unique emerging learning styles.
The beauty of an emerging learning style lies in its ever-evolving nature. It thrives on wonder, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning. Learning is not a chore; it is an experience, an assimilation of ideas that must then be practiced through experimentation and active participation in one’s community. This brings me to the word UNITY.
Individuality is precious, but when combined with teamwork, belonging, and service to the community, it becomes something truly powerful. By extension, this service reaches our nation. The motto of our school is: Go Out to Serve Your Country and Countrymen.
But let us also remember, each child here is a seed of leadership. What we nurture today will shape India tomorrow, whether in science, the arts, public service, or innovation. Our role is not just to teach them subjects, but to prepare them for citizenship.
And while we focus on academics, we must also strengthen the roots of values. Knowledge without compassion is incomplete. Our children must learn to pair achievement with empathy, so they can lead with both skill and heart.
True freedom also brings with it responsibility. What we choose to do with our freedom will determine the India our children inherit.
I now encourage each parent here to embrace our school motto and serve our country through three powerful words:Receive, Give, and Gratitude.
You chose to bring a life, a beaming light, into this world. You received this gift from God. Then came the question:
What will you give in return for this bundle of joy? Parenting is a lifelong journey of giving love, warmth, time, and protection, manifested through quality moments spent with your child.
This is where gratitude comes in.
When we pray with our children, we teach them the meaning of gratitude. When we pay homage to our brave freedom fighters, we honor them and express our gratitude.
Over time, these three words, Receive, Give, and Gratitude, transform into Conceive, Believe, and Manifest.
Conceive the idea of a New India, believe in it, and work together to manifest it.
I urge each one of you to help me create a safe haven and a joyful community for our children by working hand in hand with us.
Let us pledge to become the best versions of ourselves so that when our children look up to us, they are inspired to do the same, to serve their school, their community, and their country by sharing the talents and gifts God has bestowed upon them.
Let us walk together into this heaven of freedom, where the new generation, girls and boys, stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to serve, and truly awake!
Jai Hind!
Thank you
This post has been co-authored by the HM of H.A.P.S. and Ms. Kamakshi. 
