Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that all schools across the state will begin their daily academic sessions with the full rendition of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the National anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, as part of a government initiative to foster patriotism, discipline and national consciousness among students.
Chief Minister Dr Saha, who is also School Education minister, said in a social media post that the decision has been taken to strengthen patriotism, discipline and a deeper sense of national identity among school students.
He said the initiative aims to promote national unity, encourage respect for India's rich cultural heritage and instil a stronger sense of responsibility towards the nation among the younger generation. According to the chief minister, the measure is intended to nurture students into more aware, responsible and patriotic citizens.
Dr Saha also shared a notification issued by the Education (School) Department outlining the implementation of the decision. The notification stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued comprehensive guidelines regarding the respect, decorum and official rendition of the National song ‘Vande Mataram’.
As per the notification, the guidelines require adherence to proper protocol during the singing or playing of the National Song in formal, semi-formal and educational institutions to promote national pride and preserve its cultural significance.
In line with these directives, the School Education Department has decided to implement the guidelines uniformly in all government, government-aided and privately managed schools, including government-aided and unaided recognised madrassa schools under the state's administrative jurisdiction.
Under the new arrangement, the daily academic routine in all schools will formally commence with the community singing of the full version of Vande Mataram, followed immediately by the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The notification further stated that whenever the National song is sung or played, all students, teachers, faculty members and administrative staff must stand at attention as a mark of respect and to maintain proper decorum.
The state government said the initiative is expected to strengthen national unity, reinforce civic responsibility among students and deepen their respect for the country's constitutional values and national symbols.