Freedom in the Mind, Strength in the Heart, Unity in Action… “Spirit of Independence” Culminates at Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar Two-Day Celebration Concludes with 170+ Exhibits, 500 Student Participants and a Spectacular Cultural Presentation by 300 Students

Visakhaptnam :Indian News Times:Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar 16 August 2026 The two-day “Spirit of Independence – One Nation, One Spirit, One Heart” Exhibition-cum-Cultural Programme organised by Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Visakhapatnam, concluded on Sunday with a grand and inspiring Valedictory Function at the school campus.

The valedictory programme was honoured by the gracious presence of Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder CEO, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), Visakhapatnam, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sharma keenly observed the exhibits and appreciated the excellent, innovative and thought-provoking work of the students. He lauded their creativity, dedication, hard work and understanding of the theme, and his words of appreciation served as a great source of encouragement and inspiration to the young participants.

Addressing the students, Dr. Jitender Sharma urged them to think beyond *“What do I want to become?” and ask themselves, “Why do I want to become that?”* He praised Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Visakhapatnam, for imparting education rooted in ethics and values, and appreciated the Principal and teachers for their dedication to shaping the students’ futures. He urged the students to never forget their teachers as they progress in life and said they are truly blessed to study in such a value-based institution.

Sri Tribhuvan Sachdeva, Convenor, Sri Sathya Sai National Council for Schools, who participated in the two-day event as the Special Guest, also lauded the entire school management and staff for their dedicated efforts and commitment to value-based education. He particularly appreciated the students’ remarkable creativity, enthusiasm, discipline and wholehearted participation in bringing the “Spirit of Independence” alive.

The two-day celebration, organised as part of the Centenary Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Independence Day celebrations, under the guidance of the Sri Sathya Sai National Council for Schools, brought together patriotism, creativity, education, culture and human values in a vibrant celebration of the deeper meaning of independence.

170+ Exhibits | 500 Students | One Inspiring SpiritThe exhibition emerged as a major attraction, featuring more than 170 innovative exhibits created and presented by 500 students. The exhibits explored diverse dimensions of independence—from India’s glorious freedom struggle and the contributions of freedom fighters to intellectual awakening, value-based education, spiritual freedom and inner transformation.

The sincerity, creativity and dedication of the students, reflected in their models, charts, handcrafted exhibits and thematic presentations, mesmerised visitors and drew widespread appreciation.

From Ideas to Action

The programme featured reminiscences by two students, who shared their experiences and spoke about the dedication, teamwork and meticulous preparation that went into creating and presenting the exhibition. Their reflections offered a touching glimpse into the students’ journey from ideas to action.

This was followed by the closing remarks of Smt. B. Sreedevi, Member, School Governing Body, who reflected on the tremendous efforts, achievements and significance of this meaningful two-day endeavour.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

The Prize Distribution Ceremony for the Academic Toppers was held, honouring students for their outstanding academic performance and recognising their commitment to excellence.

The Guest of Honour’s inspiring address added further significance to the occasion. His encouraging and meaningful message motivated the students to pursue excellence, nurture strong character and carry the values learnt in school into their everyday lives.

300 Young Performers Bring the “Spirit of Independence” Alive

The formal proceedings then gave way to a spectacular cultural presentation featuring 300 students, which mesmerised the audience.

The programme commenced with the invocation dance “Jaya Devuni Ashtapadalu,” seeking divine blessings for the occasion. The main cultural programme beautifully brought alive the central theme of “Spirit of Independence,” portraying the three profound dimensions of Physical, Intellectual and Spiritual Independence through a rich and captivating blend of dance, music and meaningful thematic presentations.

The presentation traced the journey from the nation’s struggle for physical freedom to the awakening of the intellect and ultimately to the quest for spiritual freedom. The students’ synchronised performances, expressive presentation and powerful thematic content received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.

The cultural programme, involving 300 students, stood as a magnificent testimony to their talent, discipline, teamwork and confidence, leaving everyone spellbound.

The programme concluded with Memento Presentation, Vote of Thanks, Aarathi and the National Anthem, bringing the memorable two-day celebration to a dignified close.

The “Spirit of Independence” celebration conveyed a profound message—that true independence extends beyond the freedom of a nation to encompass freedom of thought, strength of character, purity of heart and responsibility towards society.

“Freedom in our minds. Strength in our hearts. Unity in our actions.”

The valedictory programme was attended by Sri P.R.S.N. Naidu, District President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Visakhapatnam District and Member, School Governing Body; Smt. A. Kousalya, Former Principal, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar & Member, sri Sathya sai sai national council for schools, Smt. B. Sreedevi, Member, School Governing Body; Srimathi Chekuri Varalakshmi, Principal, along with staff, parents and a large number of students.

The presence of Mrs. Deepti Bhagia; Mr. Yashwanth, Head of Operations, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ); and Ms. Sathya, PS to Dr. Jitendra Sharma, also added warmth and significance to the occasion.