A significant shift regarding national consciousness and cultural identity has been introduced within West Bengal’s political landscape and education system. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made it mandatory to sing “Vande Mataram” daily during morning prayer assemblies in all government and government-aided schools.
While this decision is being hailed as a measure to strengthen the spirit of patriotism, it is also being described as a decision of historical significance on both social and cultural fronts. Several nationalist organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), have welcomed this move, characterizing it as a step deeply connected to the very soul of India.
पश्चिम बंगाल के सभी स्कूलों में अब प्रार्थना सभा में "वंदे मातरम्" गायन अनिवार्य किया गया है।
राज्य सरकार ने शासनादेश जारी करके यह आदेश दिया है। pic.twitter.com/sUGaTxSNPf
— Narendra Pratap (@hindipatrakar) May 14, 2026
‘Vande Mataram’ to be Mandatory in Schools
In a directive issued on May 13, the West Bengal School Education Department explicitly instructed the principals and headmasters of all government and government-aided schools that it would be mandatory for students to sing “Vande Mataram” during the morning assemblies held daily before the commencement of classes.
The department has further directed school administrations to ensure strict compliance with this procedure. The government believes that this initiative will further reinforce among students the sense of respect for the nation, discipline, and national unity.
A Major Step Towards Respecting National Symbols
This decision comes at a time when discussions regarding respect for national symbols and national values are intensifying across the country. At the central level as well, consideration is being given to making the “Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971” even more effective.
In this context, legal expert and Senior Advocate Ashutosh Kumar Jha opines that “Vande Mataram” is not merely a song, but has served as the very soul of India’s freedom struggle. During the struggle against British rule, this song became a source of inspiration for revolutionaries and freedom fighters. The resounding chant of “Vande Mataram” awakened a spirit of dedication and sacrifice towards the motherland in millions of Indians. Undoubtedly, this decision by the new West Bengal government is a welcome one. Assemblies Previously Limited to ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Banglar Mati’
Why Vande Mataram in schools? It instills patriotism, promotes harmony, and honors the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. A proud and unifying anthem for every Indian. 🇮🇳 #VandeMataram #OneNationOneSpirit pic.twitter.com/q2edlSxRls
— United Manipur (@Esha1352343) May 14, 2026
It is worth noting that, prior to this decision, most schools in the state sang only the National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” composed by Rabindranath Tagore. Additionally, the state government has periodically promoted “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” as the State Song; however, with the recent mandate making “Vande Mataram” compulsory, a visible effort is now underway to instill a renewed sense of national consciousness and cultural values within the school environment.
Schools Also Welcome the Decision
Educators believe that if children are connected to patriotism, culture, and history from a young age, it fosters within them the spirit of becoming responsible citizens. Many educationists have hailed this as an effective initiative toward “value-based education.” Furthermore, commenting on this matter, senior journalist Santosh Madhup stated that the song “Vande Mataram” commands respect across West Bengal, even among the opposition. He noted that the government has made a commendable start, and its decision is being welcomed from all quarters. Since “Vande Mataram” originated from the very soil of Bengal, it is only natural that this decision taken by the government has met with universal approval.
— Padmanabhan Jaikumar (Modi ka parivar) (@p_jaikumar) May 14, 2026
Vishva Hindu Parishad Expresses Delight
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expressed particular delight over this decision. VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal stated that the reverence for the Motherland constitutes the core ethos of Indian culture and students should be provided with the opportunity to express their respect for the nation on a daily basis.
He remarked that “Vande Mataram” is not merely a song, but rather an expression of devotion and gratitude toward ‘Bharat Mata’. Its regular rendition in schools will serve to emotionally connect future generations with their nation, culture and history. Bansal further added that the West Bengal government’s decision is highly laudable from the perspective of national unity and cultural awakening and it will inspire students to prioritize the nation’s interest above all else. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Immortal Creation
It is noteworthy that the song ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by the great litterateur Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his renowned novel, ‘Anandamath’. Subsequently, this song emerged as the most influential cultural symbol of the freedom movement. On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India accorded the status of National Anthem to “Jana Gana Mana” and that of National Song to “Vande Mataram.”
🔥Singing Vande Mataram becomes mandatory in all WEST BENGAL schools
– BJP CM West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari
26% of the Population of West Bengal cannot give any excuse for not singing Vande Mataram pic.twitter.com/BM4gC8Botn
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) May 14, 2026
A significant development is that in West Bengal, the very land where ‘Vande Mataram’ originated, it is now being integrated into the daily routine of schools. This initiative is also being viewed as a reaffirmation of Bengal’s cultural heritage and national pride.
