REPORT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAY CELEBRATION
English Language Day was celebrated at Vikhe Patil Memorial School, Pune on 24th April 2023 during the morning assembly on the Basketball court. English Language Day is celebrated on 23 rd April every year. The event was established by the United Nation’s Department of Public Information in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization.
For the English Language Day, April 23 was chosen because it is the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. This day aims to entertain and inform people about the history, culture and achievements associated with the language. More than 1.75 billion people speak English worldwide – that’s around 1 in 4 people around the world.
The programme was organized and conducted by the Secondary and Senior Secondary teachers of the English Department. It began with the thought- a quote from one of Shakespeare’s plays- ‘King Lear’. The significance of the day was then explained and some amazing facts about English were shared with the students.
Two students from Std X presented monologues from Julius Caesar- Brutus’ speech and Mark Antony’s speech respectively, delivered at Caesar’s funeral. An autobiographical poem about Shakespeare was then recited by Vibha Galande of Std X. Next, two students from Std X presented a soliloquy from Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, in which King Claudius’ primary
counsellor is Polonius. Laertes, his son, is set to embark on a university education in France. Polonius then bestows his blessings on him as well as several bits of wisdom. Polonius expresses his wish to be remembered as a kind parent. The performance was a hilarious parody of the original by giving it a contemporary twist.
Finally, a student of Std X recited a poem entitled ‘Words’. The programme was enjoyed by the staff and students alike and provided an insight into the inimitable life and works of William Shakespeare.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
