On the occasion of Independence Day, 15 August 2026, the Student Council of DAV Public School, New Panvel, accompanied by teachers, visited Paramshanti Dham Old Age Home, Taloja, with an objective of spreading love, compassion and respect among the elderly.

The visit was made more meaningful through the school's "Annapurna Initiative", a noble initiative started by the Principal, Shri Sumanth Ghosh. Under this initiative, students celebrating their birthdays contribute essential food grains and food items such as rice, wheat and pulses instead of distributing chocolates. These contributions are collected and offered to those in need, thereby transforming a personal celebration into an act of service and kindness.

During the visit, the students and teachers presented the collected food grains to the old age home. The students warmly interacted with the elderly residents, treating them with the affection and respect they would show to their own grandparents. They listened to them, shared smiles and sought their blessings. The interaction created a beautiful bond between the young and the elderly.

A particularly touching moment of the visit came when a member of the Student Council presented a devotional song for the residents. The inmates joyfully joined in the singing and appreciated her performance wholeheartedly. Their smiles, blessings and affectionate response made the moment deeply emotional and memorable for everyone present.

The students experienced a poignant and heartwarming moment, realizing the importance of compassion, gratitude and caring for the elderly. The visit not only brought joy to the residents but also instilled in the students valuable lessons of empathy, humility and social responsibility.

The school assured the management of Paramshanti Dham Old Age Home of its continued and timely support and donations in the future. The management and staff of the old age home expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, teachers, Student Council and the entire DAV fraternity for this thoughtful initiative. They especially appreciated the Annapurna Initiative, which reflects the school's commitment to turning celebrations into meaningful acts of service.

The visit was a beautiful manifestation of the DAV philosophy of "Service Before Self" and made the Independence Day celebration truly purposeful. It reminded everyone that the spirit of independence is best celebrated by spreading love, dignity, kindness and care in society.