I tie this Rakhi and pray for you,

May you have good health and remain strong,

Achieve prosperity and live for long.

A prayer on the lips and in the heart of every sister, especially on Raksha Bandhan, a day dedicated to celebrating the unbreakable bond of love, affection, support and protection. At St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh the occasion provides considerable scope for the students to showcase their love and affection. The literal meaning of Raksha Bandhan is the bond of protection, and on this pious occasion, sisters tie a sacred thread a talisman, or amulet, called the rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and pray for their long life. Traditionally, siblings celebrate Raksha Bandhan and promise to protect each other. However, this year, apart from the customary activities involving the crafting and fashioning of bright and vibrant handmade Rakhis, decoration of Rakhi Thalis as well as making eye-catching Cards, the Josephians took the concept of protection to a broader canvas and made the most of this wonderful opportunity by inviting their ‘Buddies’ from Dhanas school to be a part of their festivities. The Girls India Project has provided the students of both St. Joseph’s as well as GMSSS, Dhanas an extraordinary opportunity to come together, share together, bond together and grow together. In order to strengthen this very bond, a special programmewas held in the premises of St. Joseph’s on Saturday, keeping all Covid protocols in check.

The invitees were graciously welcomed at the entrance by the Josephian family. They were delighted to be presented with tiaras and sashes and were all smiles as they got their photographs clicked. Soon the Rakhi celebrations commenced with each girl tying a Rakhi on her Buddy’s wrist as a symbol of friendship, support and care. Then it was time for them to partake in some games and races especially organised by the Sports Faculty. The one minute games were also a great hit with them. After refreshments, the girls were asked to pen down their pledge to do their individual bit to ensure that the Girls India Project flourishes day by day. Each pair of Buddies was assigned the care of a Medicinal plant in the Herbal garden at St. Joseph’s which would be tended by the Josephian girls on behalf of their buddies. The students were gifted with mementos as the festivities came to a close.

The Principal of the Dhanas school, Ms. Seema Rani was gifted a planter as a token of affection. Ma’am thanked everyone involved in making the day so special and stated that no matter what, the two schools would always share this strong bond that has been established, thanks to the Girls India Project. Principal Ms. Monica Chawla also expressed gratitude to the Dhanas team headed by the Principal and Mr. Rakesh for gracing the function with their presence. She extended her heartfelt thanks to Ms. Rani Pal, Coordinator, Middle Block and her team for the grand preparations and emphasised on the benefits of team work stating that individually, we are one colour but together we all can make a rainbow. She further added that she is very proud of the Josephian family’s inclusive ethos where high standards are set and ample opportunities are provided for students to learn how to become resilient and responsible citizens of the nation.