Raksha Bandhan with a Cause: RM Children Academy, Bulanala sends Rakhi's to Soldiers through India Post

As a show of patriotism and appreciation, RM Children Academy, Bulanala, Varanasi, Principal Ravi Prakash Keshari undertook a unique Raksha Bandhan drive this year. In his initiative, school students sent rakhis made by them and heartfelt messages to Indian soldiers deployed at far-off border locations — availing the traditional but effective India Post medium.

Understanding Raksha Bandhan not only as a brother-sister festival, but as a celebration of protection and responsibility, Principal Keshari motivated students to take their feelings beyond home and into the hearts of the true protectors of the country — the Indian Armed Forces.

"Soldiers stay away from their families for years so that we can sleep in peace. If our students can make them feel remembered and loved on Raksha Bandhan, it's the least we can do as citizens," said Keshari, speaking to students during a special morning assembly.

With his help, students made rakhis from eco-friendly materials and penned letters saying how much they loved them, thanked them, and prayed for their safety. Dozens of such rakhi packages have now been sent to Army camps in border areas with the assistance of India Post, which are likely to reach in time for the festival.

The initiative was well appreciated, as it educates children about the significance of festivals besides enhancing their understanding of national service and cohesion.

"Principal sir always teaches us to relate education with practical values. This initiative made our children think out of the box," said school co-ordinator Laiba Noor.

The initiative is a poignant reminder that the might of a country is not only in its weaponry or economy, but also in the awareness and compassion of its citizens — even its children. By this gesture, Principal Ravi Prakash Keshari has created a beacon of hope of how schools can cultivate values of patriotism and national unity, one rakhi at a time.

Edinbox writer Nibedita interviewed school Principal Ravi Prakash Keshari about this touching initiative that combined patriotism with tradition.

Q: How did the concept of sending rakhis to soldiers via India Post originate?

Ravi Prakash Keshari: Raksha Bandhan is not merely about siblings. It's a festival of protection and love. This year, we wanted students to realize the true significance of "raksha" — national security. So we thought, why not knot rakhi with the actual guardians of our nation? India Post was the most convenient and trusted means of reaching even the farthest border camps.

Q: How did the students react?

Ravi Prakash Keshari: Oh, it was overwhelming! They created such lovely rakhis with handwritten messages. Some had the message, "Dear brother in uniform, thanks for guarding us." It made them feel like they were part of something and connected to the armed forces. It was the first time many thought about the soldier's life.

Q: Why do you think such gestures are important?

Ravi Prakash Keshari: We tend to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai all the time, but we must look beyond slogans. Patriotism can be developed even in a small classroom.Sending a rakhi to a soldier will appear symbolic, but it creates an enduring value — that we all have a responsibility to keep our country safe in our own ways.

Q: Do you think national prowess could be developed through such small acts?

Ravi Prakash Keshari: Totally. A great nation isn't made only in army camps or in Parliament. It's made at home, school, and on the streets. If a kid in Varanasi can learn sacrifice and service, that's the start of a stronger, wiser India.

On this Raksha Bandhan, RM Children Academy demonstrated that sometimes the tiniest threads — carried in a simple postal envelope — can create the strongest ties.