Will Singing Vande Mataram Become Mandatory in Schools?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vande Mataram to be sung in all schools in Uttar Pradesh.
- Initiative aims to foster national pride.
- Historical significance of Vande Mataram discussed.
- Criticism of political opposition highlighted.
- Year-long celebration of Vande Mataram initiated by PM Modi.
Gorakhpur, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, declared on Monday that the singing of Vande Mataram will be obligatory in all schools and educational institutions throughout the state.
While speaking at the 'Ekta Yatra' and Vande Mataram singing ceremony in Gorakhpur, CM Yogi emphasized, "There should be a profound respect for our national song Vande Mataram... We will enforce its singing in every educational establishment in Uttar Pradesh to instill a sense of reverence towards Bharat Mata and Matrubhoomi."
The Chief Minister also pointed out that between 1896 and 1922, Vande Mataram was performed at every session of Congress; however, in 1923, when Mohammad Ali Jauhar assumed the presidency of Congress, he departed as soon as the song commenced and refused to engage.
"This opposition to Vande Mataram became one of the unfortunate catalysts for India’s Partition," he articulated.
"Had the Congress respected India's nationalism through Vande Mataram by removing Mohammad Ali Jauhar from his presidential role at that time, the division might not have occurred," he added.
CM Yogi also criticized the Opposition, remarking, "On October 31, while many neglect events honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary, they shamefully attend gatherings honoring Jinnah. We must ask ourselves, if our national figures are not honored, what will be the fate of our nation?"
"We cannot allow another Jinnah to emerge in India, and anyone who attempts to follow in his footsteps must be halted before they become a danger," he asserted.
This declaration followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent inauguration of a year-long celebration of Vande Mataram to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song.
The year-long celebration aims to honor this iconic song that played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of national pride and unity.
Vande Mataram was penned by the esteemed poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875.
The song was first published in the literary magazine Bangadarshan as part of Chattopadhyay's novel Anandamath.