SpeechesAnchoring script for Independence Day or Republic Day
For one or two anchors at a school, society or office function. 8 parts, about 267 words of anchor lines.
A flag-hoisting function is short and follows a fixed order: assembly, the arrival of the guest, the hoisting or unfurling of the flag, the National Anthem, speeches, patriotic items and sweets. This script keeps the anchor's lines brief and dignified. Use "Independence Day" or "Republic Day" as needed. The flag is hoisted on Independence Day and unfurled on Republic Day; use the word your organisers use.
Words in [square brackets] are for you to replace. Lines in (round brackets) are directions, not to be read aloud.
The script
Assembly
Good morning, everyone. I request all of you to stand in your lines. The function will begin in two minutes. Please keep your mobile phones on silent.
Welcome
A very good morning to our respected Chief Guest [Name], our [Principal/President/Secretary], teachers, members and my dear friends. On this proud morning, I welcome you all to the [Independence Day/Republic Day] celebration of [School, Society or Office name].
Flag ceremony
I now request our Chief Guest to kindly come forward and [hoist/unfurl] the national flag. Everyone, please stand in attention. (After the flag is up) Please join in singing the National Anthem. (After the anthem) Thank you. You may stand at ease.
Why we are here
Today is not only a holiday. It is a day to remember those who gave us this freedom and this Constitution, and to ask ourselves what we are giving back.
Speeches
I invite our [Principal/President], [Name], to address the gathering. (After the speech) Thank you, Sir/Ma'am. Now [Name] of class [class] will share a few thoughts on this day. Please encourage [him/her].
Patriotic items
Let us fill the air with the colours of the tricolour. The students of class [class] present a patriotic song, [name]. A big hand for them! (After the item) That gave us goosebumps. Thank you.
Chief Guest
I now request our Chief Guest, [Name], to bless us with a few words. (After) Thank you, Sir/Ma'am. We will try to live up to your message.
Close
With this we come to the end of our programme. I thank our Chief Guest, all the participants and each one of you for coming. Sweets will be distributed at [place]. Please move in lines. Jai Hind!
Tips for the day
- Rehearse the flag ceremony cues with the person in charge of the flag. The anchor must not speak while the flag goes up.
- Keep your voice steady and formal; this is a national occasion, not a party.
- Have a spare patriotic line ready in case an item is delayed.
- Print two copies in large type. Paper does not run out of battery.
How to adapt this script
No two functions have the same items. Treat each part above as a block: remove the blocks you do not need, repeat the "introducing an item" block for each performance, and put them in the order of your running sheet. Then write one fresh linking sentence for each item after you have seen its rehearsal; a line that fits the actual performance is worth more than any ready line. The guide how to anchor a function explains running orders, links and what to do when something goes wrong, and opening and closing lines has more lines to choose from.