15/08/2026
15th August 2026 — A Day That Felt Different
This 15th of August was a little different for us at Hooghly Modern School. It was not just a day of flag hoisting, celebration and performances. It became a day that reminded us of honesty, gratitude, loss, love and the beautiful bond between people.
Just before our programme was about to begin, a toto driver came to us with a bag. He told us that one of our parents had apparently left it in his toto. The bag contained a mobile phone, money and several important documents. Later, we discovered that it did not belong to any of our parents.
Still, we kept the bag safely and gave the gentleman ₹200—not because honesty can ever be measured in money, but simply because our heart felt like appreciating his honesty.
The owner was eventually contacted several times through the phone in the bag, and it was finally handed over to his daughter. Yet, despite all the effort, there wasn't even a simple word of thanks.
Perhaps that is also a lesson life teaches us. We may replace a lost bag or a lost object, but sometimes what stays with us is the feeling of how people respond to kindness.
And then came a moment that was much deeper and far more painful.
About a month ago, a young life, Abhinandan Chatterjee, was tragically cut short at Hooghly Station. Today, his parents, Shri Biswajit Chatterjee and Smt. Tandra Chatterjee, came to our school carrying several of Abhinandan's favourite books. They wanted our children to discover and read the authors he loved. They also brought lots of chocolates for the children.
What a beautiful and heartbreaking way to keep a child close to your heart.
Abhinandan, wherever you are, stay happy in the land of the stars. Keep giving your parents the strength to carry on. Your memories will continue to live through the books you loved and the children who will now discover them.
Today was also special because we celebrated the birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. His thoughts on freedom, self-discovery, strength and the awakening of the human spirit continue to inspire us. His life reminds us that true freedom is not only freedom of a nation, but also freedom of the mind and the spirit.
And then, there was another reason to celebrate—the birthday of our dear student, Kinjan Biswas.
Kinjan, may you grow up to be happy, kind, confident and successful. May all your dreams come true, and may you fulfil all those beautiful dreams your parents have for you. Keep smiling, keep learning and keep growing into the wonderful person you are meant to be. Happy Birthday, dear Kinjan! ❤️
Of course, our microphone decided to have its own little Independence Day rebellion! 😄 A technical problem with the sound system caused an unexpected delay in the programme. But what touched us most was the patience and understanding shown by our parents and guardians.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes especially to Mrs. Choudhury, mother of our guardian Mansmita and Amy Choudhury. With the help of Ankur's mother, she brought the required box from her home. Without her timely help, our programme would not have gone as smoothly as it did.
We are equally grateful to our former student Krish Rajbanshi, who also brought the box from home in Miss Sampa's car. These little acts of kindness may seem small, but they mean so much to us.
And to all our parents and guardians—thank you for your patience, understanding and support despite the unexpected delay.
Today reminded me once again that a school is not merely a building, classrooms and lessons. It is a family—a family built on trust, affection, understanding and togetherness.
Perhaps that is what Independence Day means to me today.
Not just the freedom represented by our Tricolour, but the freedom to be kind, to be honest, to stand beside one another and to keep humanity alive.
This love, this bond, this togetherness—these are our real strengths.
And with this strength,
Hooghly Modern School will continue to move forward.
🇮🇳 Jai Hind !
