The Uttar Pradesh government has made the singing of the national song Vande Mataram compulsory in all schools and colleges across the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision during a mass singing event in Gorakhpur held as part of the Ekta Yatra (Unity March).
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said the move aims to instil a sense of patriotism and respect for national symbols among students. “There should be a feeling of reverence for the national song Vande Mataram. We will make its singing mandatory in every educational institution of Uttar Pradesh,” he stated.
The announcement coincides with the nationwide celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the year-long commemoration, calling the song “a true symbol of India’s unity” that has inspired generations.
Originally featured in Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath and published in the magazine Bangadarshan, Vande Mataram became a rallying cry during India’s freedom struggle and continues to hold deep cultural and national significance.
