Quaker Day Celebration at Friends Girls School, Sohagpur, India

by Dr. Sanjeev Shukla
Principal, Friends Girls School, Sohagpur

The Friends Girls School in Sohagpur, India, following COVID safety guidelines, celebrated World Quaker Day on October 4, 2021, in the graceful presence of God.  The program started with silent worship, followed by religious songs and messages shared by Primary School Manager Sheela Jacob, Principal Dr. Sanjeev Shukla, and senior members Ganeshram Mandloi, Sunila Masih, Strella Masih, and Vijaya Acharya. First, Sheela Jacob conveyed greetings on behalf of Devdas Shrisundar (Chairman of Friends Schools Governing Board India) and Doreen Robert (Manager) to all for Quaker Day then highlighted Quaker history and social service.

This year the school decided on the program theme, "Awareness for COVID Safety and Vaccination." Dr. Shukla addressed everyone and said that in our new “normal,” SMS has a new meaning: Social distancing, Mask wearing, and Sanitizing hands. The school feels that its prime responsibility is to make the vaccination program a success.

The program ended with the distribution of masks donated from British friends Mark and Judy Stuart and an oath, taken by all, to spread awareness of vaccination. Posters were made by students with the help of teachers Gudiya Raghuwanshi, Jyoti Verma, Rupa Thakur, and Kiran Sharma.