Bengal Makes 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in madrasas

The announcement has triggered varied reactions. Supporters, including many from the ruling dispensation led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, hail it as a bold step towards ending "appeasement politics" and fostering unity in diverse educational institutions

Metro India News | KOLKATA 

The West Bengal government has issued a directive making the singing of the national song Vande Mataram compulsory during morning assemblies in all government, aided, and recognized madrasas across the state. The order, issued by the Directorate of Madrasa Education under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, comes into immediate effect. It supersedes previous practices and applies uniformly to institutions functioning under the department.

This decision extends a similar mandate introduced just a week earlier for all state-run and government-aided schools. According to officials, the step seeks to instil patriotism and respect for national symbols among students from an early age. Vande Mataram, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the late 19th century, has long held a revered place in India's freedom struggle. The first two stanzas, often sung in schools, are widely regarded as secular by courts, though some interpretations of the full poem have sparked debate in the past

The announcement has triggered varied reactions. Supporters, including many from the ruling dispensation led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, hail it as a bold step towards ending "appeasement politics" and fostering unity in diverse educational institutions. Critics, including leaders from certain minority organizations like AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, have opposed the move.

They argue that many madrasas, especially those run on community funding, may not comply, citing concerns over religious autonomy. Educationists note that prior to this directive, many madrasas began assemblies with Jana Gana Mana, the national anthem. The new rule standardizes the practice. The government has emphasized that the order aims at inclusive nation-building without interfering in the core religious curriculum of madrasas. As implementation begins, observers will watch closely for its impact on the state's madrasa ecosystem, which serves a large number of students, particularly from minority communities.