Maharashtra's Fadnavis government has taken a historic step by deciding to make the complete rendition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all schools across the state. This decision has been taken to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this immortal song, composed by the late Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has made a historic decision to mandate the complete singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' in all schools across the state. This decision commemorates the 150th anniversary of the composition of this immortal song by the late Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. According to the order issued by the government, typically only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' were sung in schools until now.
However, on October 31, 2025 (Kartik Shuddhi Navami), when the song completes 150 years of its composition, its full rendition will be sung in all schools. This step aims to strengthen the feelings of patriotism and cultural pride among students.
'Vande Mataram' Campaign to Run from October 31 to November 7
According to the government order, typically only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' were sung in schools until now. However, on the occasion of the song's 150th anniversary this year, the government has decided that the entire 'Vande Mataram' song will be sung in all schools. Under this campaign, the complete national song will be sung daily in schools. Additionally, special programs and discussions will be organized to explain the song's historical background, the context of its composition, and its connection to nationalism to students.
The Maharashtra government has instructed the education department to organize an exhibition based on the history of 'Vande Mataram' in schools during the campaign. The objective is to make students aware of the national song's origin, the author's role, and its contribution to the freedom struggle. This exhibition will display pictures, posters, and historical documents related to the song's role during the independence movement, the life of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and the inspiration behind 'Vande Mataram'.
Official Circular Sent to Education Department
The government has sent an official reference letter regarding this decision to the education department. It instructs all educational institutions to ensure that this campaign is actively implemented in every school between October 31 and November 7. The state government has also clarified that this initiative will not be limited to government schools but will also be implemented in all private, aided, and local body schools.
The 'Vande Mataram' song was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and later included in his famous work 'Anandamath'. This song sparked a new wave of patriotism among Indians during the freedom movement. During the Partition of Bengal movement in 1905, 'Vande Mataram' became a symbol of patriotism. Leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore also acknowledged the significance of this song.
