Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has announced a landmark step toward promoting national pride and unity by mandating the singing of Vande Mataram in all colleges and madrasas across the state. Education Minister Madan Dilawar confirmed that from now on, the recitation of the national song will be a daily tradition in every educational institution, including over three thousand registered madrasas.
According to Dilawar, this directive aims to rekindle the spirit of patriotism among students, teachers, and the wider community. “Vande Mataram is not merely a song,” the minister stated in Jaipur. “It represents the soul of India — its cultural strength, spiritual identity, and unifying emotion.”
The order coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s composition on November 7th. To commemorate this milestone, the state government has declared the ongoing year as the “Patriotic Year.” Multiple events, debates, and educational campaigns will be organized across Rajasthan’s schools and colleges to honor the historical legacy of the timeless hymn.
A declaration of national pride
Dilawar emphasized that Vande Mataram was composed during India’s freedom movement as a symbol of resilience. “Every student must feel proud of our heritage and our freedom struggle,” he said. “The singing of this song every morning will inspire self-discipline, respect, and responsibility toward the nation.”
He also highlighted that the idea is not limited to public institutions. The new guideline will extend to private colleges and recognized madrasas, ensuring that students from all backgrounds participate in the anthem of national pride. Officials from the Education Department will monitor compliance, and action will be taken against institutions that fail to implement the rule.
Over 3,000 madrasas covered statewide
More than three thousand madrasas, ranging from government-aided to privately run centers, will now include the daily singing of Vande Mataram as part of their morning assembly. According to the department, this initiative is also part of a larger plan to integrate value-based education, moral awareness, and national unity within the curriculum of all educational institutions.
While some organizations have welcomed the move, describing it as an act of national integration, a few have expressed the need for broader consultations with religious leaders to ensure harmony and understanding. However, the state government maintains that the directive is constitutional and in line with promoting civic education.
School mergers to strengthen efficiency
In addition to the new patriotic rule, the Rajasthan Education Department has announced a rationalization plan for schools. From the next academic session, a total of 312 government schools will be merged. This includes 155 higher secondary schools with fewer than 25 students and 157 schools with enrollments below five students.
According to officials, the measure aims to strengthen the resource base, improve the teacher-student ratio, and ensure efficient utilization of state resources. Over the past year, the state has already merged 449 government schools, with data indicating improved academic results and reduced administrative expenditure.
Celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram
November 7, 2025, will mark exactly 150 years since the composition of Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875. The song played a historic role during India’s struggle for independence, uniting millions in the spirit of nationalism. Rajasthan’s government has announced various cultural and educational programs to celebrate the occasion.
Special assemblies, patriotic parades, essay contests, and seminars will be organized throughout the year, collectively marking Rajasthan’s “Patriotic Year.” Educational institutions are being encouraged to include chapters on the song’s meaning, history, and relevance in modern India.
“Today’s students must connect with our cultural heritage,” Minister Dilawar said. “When they sing Vande Mataram, they are not just repeating words — they are connecting to the idea of Bharat.”
Monitoring and implementation
The Directorate of Education has been tasked with ensuring adherence to the new orders. Schools and madrasas will need to submit periodic compliance reports. District officials will also document the participation of students and teachers during morning assemblies.
The department has issued circulars advising school principals and madrasa administrators to create awareness among students about the historical context of the song. The move has been received positively by several youth organizations, who view it as a much-needed reminder of national devotion in times of growing materialism.
A symbol of unity and inclusion
By mandating Vande Mataram across all educational streams — from government schools to religious institutions — Rajasthan’s government has made a strong statement on unity through diversity. The decision underscores the state’s effort to balance heritage with harmony, reflecting a vision of inclusive nationalism.
Observers believe this initiative could serve as a model for other states to promote shared identity while maintaining respect for pluralistic values. As Rajasthan begins its Patriotic Year celebrations, the image of thousands of students singing Vande Mataram together every morning could soon become a powerful symbol of unity and devotion across the nation. For more details on the controversy, read the full report from The New Indian Express.
For more updates on Rajasthan’s latest developments, visit our Rajasthan News section.
