The Maharashtra government has directed all schools in the state to sing the complete “Vande Mataram” from October 31 to November 7, according to a PTI report.
Currently, schools only sing the first two stanzas of the song. However, to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram’s composition, the government has instructed all schools across mediums to perform the full version and also organize exhibitions highlighting its history and significance.
The state’s School Education Department issued the official circular on October 27. The song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, completes 150 years this year, prompting the decision.
Meanwhile, the move has sparked political controversy in Maharashtra.
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi from Mumbai opposed making the singing of the full Vande Mataram mandatory. He told PTI, “Islam teaches respect for the mother, but it does not permit bowing down before her.”
Criticizing the BJP, Azmi said, “They don’t work for development; they only play Hindu-Muslim politics to win elections. They keep looking for issues that hurt Muslims, just like a tiger that keeps craving blood once it has tasted it.”
Responding to Azmi’s remarks, Maharashtra BJP media head Nawanath Bane said, “If Abu Azmi has an allergy to Vande Mataram, he can go to Pakistan or any country he wishes. If he wants to live in India, he must respect and sing Vande Mataram.”
The circular also mentions a letter written by Radha Bhide of the Rajmata Jijabai Trust in Thane to Minister of State for School Education Pankaja Bhoyar on February 18, requesting that schools sing the complete Vande Mataram between October 31 and November 7.
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