The directive was issued by the School Education Department on October 27 through an official circular. The move marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
The directive was issued by the School Education Department on October 27. Representational Pic/File/iStock
The Maharashtra government has instructed all schools across the state to sing the complete version of the national song Vande Mataram from October 31 to November 7, reported the PTI.
At present, the schools in state sing only the first two stanzas of the song. However, in celebration of the milestone, the circular states that schools of all mediums must perform the full version and also display exhibitions depicting the history and significance of the song, according to the PTI.
The directive was issued by the School Education Department on October 27 through an official circular. The move marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Meanwhile, the decision has sparked political controversy in Maharashtra.
Mumbai Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi objected to making the recital compulsory, arguing that it goes against individual belief systems. “Islam gives great importance to respecting one’s mother, but it does not permit prostration before her,” he said, as per the PTI.
Abu Azmi criticised the ruling BJP, alleging that it was focusing on divisive politics instead of development.
“You do nothing for development, only indulge in Hindu-Muslim politics to win elections,” he remarked, the news agency reported.Targeting the BJP without naming it, Azmi said, "You do nothing, don't carry out any development. Just indulge in Hindu-Muslim (politics) and win (elections)...When a tiger tastes blood, it keeps looking for it. So they keep doing research on issues that could upset Muslims in country," the PTI reported.
Reacting to it, Maharashtra BJP media chief Navnath Ban said, "If Abu Azmi is allergic to Vande Mataram, then he should move to Pakistan or any other country of his choice. If he wishes to live here, he needs to respect Vande Mataram and recite it," according to the PTI.
In the circular, the school department also attached a letter written on February 18 by Radha Bhide of Thane-based Rajmata Jijabai Trust to Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for School Education, making the demand that the complete version of Vande Mataram song be sung in schools from October 31 to November 7.
(with PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
