West Bengal Makes Vande Mataram Mandatory in All Madrasas
State government extends national song directive to recognised madrasahs across West Bengal during morning assemblies.
The West Bengal government has made the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all madrasahs across the state. The decision comes just days after a similar rule was introduced in schools.
The Directorate of Madrasah Education has issued an official order directing all recognised, aided, and unaided madrasahs under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department to include the national song in their morning assemblies before classes begin.
Earlier this month, the state government had also instructed schools under the Department of School Education to sing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram during daily assemblies. The move marked a significant policy shift aimed at promoting patriotic values among students.
Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, played an important role during India’s freedom movement and became a symbol of national unity and resistance against British rule.
In February, the Central government granted the song equal status with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. Following this decision, the full rendition of Vande Mataram was made compulsory at official functions and events.
The latest directive comes at a time when the song has once again become part of political discussions in different states. In recent months, debates emerged in Tamil Nadu and Kerala after full versions of the song were played during oath taking ceremonies. Opposition parties questioned the move, while BJP leaders criticised the objections and described them as disrespectful to Indian traditions and culture.
With the new order, the West Bengal government has expanded the mandate to include minority educational institutions, saying the step is intended to encourage patriotism and national pride among students.