Vande Mataram to be sung across Bengal schools – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
West Bengal students will open their school days with the national song Vande Mataram starting immediately. The state education department issued the directive on Tuesday, requiring every government and government-aided school to make the singing a fixed part of morning assembly before classes begin. School heads across Kolkata and other districts received the circular and must now ensure all students participate, with video recordings sent to the department as proof of compliance.
Order Replaces Previous Routine
The new instruction places Vande Mataram first in the assembly sequence. It follows a central government push to honor the song on its 150th anniversary and aligns with earlier Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines that encourage full renditions at official events. Until now, many state schools began assemblies with the state song Banglar Mati Banglar Jal, a practice introduced under the previous administration.
Heads of institutions report that the change creates a tighter schedule. The national anthem remains mandatory, so assemblies now risk running longer than the usual ten-minute window. One Kolkata principal noted that fitting three songs without delaying lessons has become a practical challenge for staff and students alike.
Daily Impact on Classrooms
Teachers have begun adjusting timings to accommodate the addition without cutting into instructional hours. In some schools the assembly now starts a few minutes earlier, while others shorten other segments. District inspectors have been asked to monitor compliance through the required video submissions.
Parents and students have reacted with a mix of familiarity and adjustment. Many families already know the opening lines of Vande Mataram from national events, yet the daily repetition marks a noticeable shift from recent years when the state song took precedence. The move aims to strengthen a shared sense of national identity among young learners.
What Schools Must Do Next
- Begin every morning assembly with Vande Mataram sung by all students.
- Keep the national anthem in the program as required by law.
- Record the full assembly on video and forward it to the education department.
- Ensure the change applies across all government and aided institutions without exception.
The directive leaves room for schools to retain the state song if time permits, though many heads say they will prioritize the two national pieces first. Implementation has already begun in several Kolkata institutions, where students practiced the full opening stanza this week.
Education officials view the step as a straightforward way to embed respect for national symbols in daily life. For thousands of children across Bengal, the morning bell will now carry a familiar yet newly emphasized melody that links their classrooms to a wider national tradition.
