The West Bengal government has made the singing of the national song “Vande Mataram” mandatory during morning assemblies in all recognized madrasas [1].
This directive extends existing requirements for general schools to religious institutions, signaling a push for standardized patriotic observances across the state's educational landscape [1].
The order applies to all government, aided, and recognized madrasas within West Bengal [2]. According to the directive, students and staff must recite the song as part of their daily morning routine [3].
Officials said the move is intended to promote patriotism and national integration among students [2]. By integrating the national song into the curriculum of these institutions, the government aims to foster a shared sense of national identity [2].
The government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously implemented similar requirements for other schools [1]. This latest order ensures that the mandate now covers the specific category of madrasas that receive state recognition or funding [3].
The directive was reported on May 21, 2024 [1]. It marks a specific administrative effort to align the practices of religious educational centers with the broader state policy on national symbols [2].
“The West Bengal government has made the singing of the national song “Vande Mataram” mandatory during morning assemblies in all recognized madrasas.”
This mandate reflects an effort by the state government to centralize national identity markers within religious educational institutions. By requiring the recitation of Vande Mataram, the administration is asserting state authority over the cultural and civic practices of madrasas, potentially mirroring broader national trends in India regarding the integration of nationalistic symbols in minority-led institutions.
