Tripura mandates full version of 'Vande Mataram' and national anthem in all schools
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Tuesday that the state's School Education Department has made it compulsory for all schools to sing the full version of the national song 'Vande Mataram' followed by the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' daily. The directive applies to government, government-aided, and private schools, including madrassas within the state.
In a Facebook post, Saha stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines on the respect, decorum, and official rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. The state government's decision, taken during a Council of Ministers meeting on June 25, aims to implement these guidelines uniformly and promote national integration among students.
The national song 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', written by Rabindranath Tagore, are both symbols of India's cultural heritage. The Constitution of India does not mandate a national song, but 'Vande Mataram' has a special status and was sung during the independence movement.
The order specifies that the daily academic routine must begin with the singing of the full version of 'Vande Mataram' followed by the national anthem. The decision has been taken as per the state cabinet's approval, Saha added.
This move is seen as part of a broader effort by the government to inculcate respect for national symbols among the youth. Similar directives have been issued in other states in the past, with the central government often emphasizing the importance of observing proper protocol during the singing of the national anthem and song.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for such mandates to become tools of political symbolism rather than genuine expressions of patriotism. They argue that respect for national symbols should be cultivated through education and understanding, not compulsion.
The Tripura government's decision is binding on all educational institutions in the state, and non-compliance could invite action under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which outlines penalties for disrespect to the national anthem and other symbols.
