West Bengal Government Mandates Vande Mataram in Schools and Madrassas: Promoting National Unity Through Cultural Heritage
- MGMMTeam
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
In a significant step aimed at strengthening national identity and patriotism among the youth, the West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made the recitation of the full national song Vande Mataram mandatory during morning assemblies in all government and government-aided schools, as well as madrassas across the state.
This directive, issued in mid-May 2026, requires students to sing all six stanzas of the song before the commencement of classes. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to honour India's cultural and historical symbols.
Chief Minister's Strong Defence
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has firmly supported the decision, describing it as a reflection of Indian and Sanatan culture. He emphasised that respecting national symbols is essential for everyone living in the country.
“If you want to live in this country, you must say Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana, and you must respect 26 January and 15 August,” Adhikari stated while addressing the media. He added that India, known as both Hindustan and Bharat, must remain united and rooted in its heritage.
Historical and National Significance
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and featured in his novel Anandamath, played a powerful role in India’s freedom struggle. It evokes a deep sense of love for the motherland. In early 2026, the Union Government highlighted its importance by according it equal status to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, especially to mark the song’s 150th anniversary. The West Bengal government’s order builds on this national momentum, seeking to instil a stronger sense of pride and unity among students from a young age.
Reactions from Various Stakeholders
The decision has generated considerable discussion across the state. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed concerns, requesting either the withdrawal of the order or an exemption for Muslim students. The Board has argued that certain parts of the song conflict with specific religious beliefs, citing principles of religious freedom.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has welcomed the initiative and called for a balanced perspective. He described Vande Mataram as a unifying national symbol that belongs to the entire country.
“It does not belong exclusively to me, to you, to any single state, or to any specific religion; it is a national song. There should be absolutely no scope for politicising this issue,” Rijiju remarked.
Many supporters view the move as a positive step towards fostering patriotism and national integration in educational institutions.
The MGMM Outlook
The West Bengal government's decision to make the recitation of the full Vande Mataram mandatory in government and government-aided schools, including madrassas, reflects a renewed emphasis on fostering national identity and cultural awareness among students. By incorporating all six stanzas of the historic national song into daily school assemblies, the initiative seeks to strengthen appreciation for India's freedom struggle, shared heritage, and constitutional values. The move also aligns with broader national efforts to commemorate the song's enduring role in shaping patriotic sentiment across generations.
At the same time, the policy has generated significant public debate, highlighting the challenges of balancing cultural traditions with religious and social sensitivities in a diverse society. While supporters view the measure as an important step toward promoting unity, patriotism, and respect for national symbols, critics have raised concerns regarding religious freedom and inclusivity. The discussion surrounding the directive underscores the continuing importance of dialogue on how educational institutions can celebrate national heritage while accommodating the pluralistic character of Indian society.
(Sources: OpIndia, India TV News, News18)
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