Overview
- An October 27 circular from the School Education Department directs government and private schools across all mediums to sing the entire song daily and host exhibitions on its history.
- The campaign marks 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed ‘Vande Mataram’, whereas schools typically render only the first two stanzas.
- Authorities say a decision on continuing full renditions beyond November 7 will follow an evaluation of responses from schools.
- Samajwadi Party leaders Abu Azmi and Rais Shaikh have called for the order’s withdrawal, arguing that compulsory singing conflicts with individual beliefs and constitutional rights.
- The circular cites a February 18 request from Thane’s Rajmata Jijabai Trust for the complete rendition, drawing sharp counterstatements from BJP figures defending the directive.