West Bengal Schools To Begin Day With Vande Mataram

The West Bengal School Education Department has directed all state-run and state-aided schools across West Bengal to mandatorily include the singing of Vande Mataram during morning assemblies, adding fresh momentum to the growing national emphasis on patriotic symbols and cultural identity.

The order, issued by the state’s education department, instructs schools to ensure participation from all students with immediate effect. Authorities have also reportedly asked institutions to document implementation through video recordings.

The move comes at a time when the Union government is considering stronger legal provisions related to respect for national symbols, including proposals linked to the singing of Vande Mataram . The renewed focus has reignited debates around nationalism, civic responsibility, and the role of patriotic practices in educational institutions.

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay* during the freedom movement, _Vande Mataram_ has long occupied a significant place in India’s nationalist history *. The song became a rallying cry during the anti-British struggle, particularly in Bengal during the Swadeshi movement.

While the latest directive has drawn national attention, similar efforts to promote the song have surfaced in several states over the years. Governments and institutions in states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat h ave previously encouraged or mandated the singing of Vande Mataram during official events, school functions, or civic ceremonies.

Until now, most schools in Bengal traditionally opened assemblies with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana , composed by Rabindranath Tagore. In recent years, the state also promoted Tagore’s Banglar Mati Banglar Jol as Bengal’s state song. The inclusion of Vande Mataram now adds another layer to assembly routines, prompting questions among some educators regarding timing and sequencing.

School administrators have largely indicated they will comply with the directive once classes resume after summer vacation. Some institutions said students had already been familiarised with the historical importance of the national song during celebrations marking its 150th year.

However, the decision has also revived longstanding debates surrounding the song. While supporters describe Vande Mataram as a symbol of patriotism and national unity, critics and some minority groups have historically expressed reservations over portions of the composition that personify the nation as a goddess figure.

Teacher organisations in the state have sought greater clarity from the government regarding how multiple songs will be accommodated within limited assembly schedules. Political observers believe the move could further intensify wider national conversations on nationalism, identity, and the role of symbolism in public education.