St. Patrick’s High School Celebrates Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with Grandeur, Culture, and Unity

By: Aziz Khatri

   Karachi: St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi, came alive with patriotic spirit and cultural pride as it celebrated Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with grandeur and unity. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, gathered the Patrician family along with students and principals from Catholic Board of Education schools across the city.

The event was graced by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Education and Literacy, Government of Sindh, as the Chief Guest. Principal Rev. Fr. Mario Angelo Rodrigues extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests, including Zahid Ali Abbasi, Abdul Hanan, Rafia Malla, and the heads of various Catholic Board institutions.

The program opened with the recitation from the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible, followed by a dignified flag-hoisting ceremony led jointly by the Chief Guest and the Principal. The national anthem reverberated across the school grounds as students stood tall in cultural attire, proudly waving the green and white flag.

A rich line-up of performances reflected Pakistan’s diversity and harmony. St. Paul’s Campus students lit up the stage with a vibrant Sindhi cultural dance; St. Patrick’s High School students delivered a powerful drama carrying a message of unity; and St. Patrick’s Girls’ High School enthralled the audience with a melodious national song mash-up. Each performance received resounding applause for its creativity and passion.

In his speech, Syed Sardar Ali Shah lauded the school for fostering patriotism and harmony, urging students to embrace activity-based learning for a brighter future. He emphasized that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—equally and without distinction. Zahid Ali Abbasi reinforced this message by quoting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a Pakistan where everyone enjoys full and equal rights.

Principal Rev. Fr. Mario Angelo Rodrigues expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Guest, participating schools, and the organizing team. He reminded students that Independence Day is not merely a day of festivity, but a time to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and to recommit to building a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive nation.

The event concluded with heartfelt prayers for Pakistan’s progress and unity, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the Independence Day cake. Guests and participants then enjoyed refreshments, ending the celebration on a sweet and memorable note.