Schools’ dilemma over hosting Sunday R-Day events

Nagpur: Some schools are in a dilemma about organising the official Republic Day event on campus this January 26, since it is a Sunday. While an overwhelming majority are keeping schools shut, some schools want to host the morning event.
Some schools, while being interested in hosting the Republic Day event, are concerned about low attendance. A school principal said, "Being a Sunday, to make it mandatory for attendance would be tricky. Since it's a holiday it will be difficult for us to get students on campus. Also, what happens is that many parents plan day picnics and kids obviously go along. So while we want to make an effort and hold just an hour-long event, it does not seem practical considering the logistics involved here."
One such school principal contacted TOI to confirm if there was any mandatory requirement, from the govt side, to hold the event. At least till Tuesday afternoon, no such circular had been issued by the education department.
Another school, which like many others is keeping its doors closed on January 26, told TOI that they took the decision since Sunday is a public holiday. The principal of the school said, "There was indeed some discussion among a few schools, but I have clarity on the issue. Sunday is a public holiday, schools are never open on that day. So if any such national event date falls on a Sunday, schools remain shut."
Some schools are in fact going a step further and thinking of declaring Saturday too as a holiday. A principal said, "Usually second and fourth Saturdays are holidays for students, so this will provide an extra day off. One can think of it like a weekend off where families can go out for trips."
Even if a department circular is issued making January 26 events mandatory, schools wonder how it will be enforced for all. "In best case scenario, 70% attendance will be there. Others will simply report sick, so it kind of defeats the purpose," said the principal.