In a move that blends education with a call to national pride, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, announced that the iconic song Vande Mataram will now be compulsory in all educational institutions across the state. 

The directive aims to embed a sense of unity and patriotism among students, making the rendition of this national-song a daily ritual in schools and colleges. According to official communiqués, the move coincides with celebrations marking 150 years of the song. 

Of course, the decision hasn’t come without reactions. On one hand, supporters argue this is a welcome effort to foster respect for national heritage and shared values. On the other hand, critics say that free will in educational environments should be respected, and compulsory rituals may risk feeling more performative than heartfelt. For example, a commentary in Mumbai noted concerns that such mandates may overshadow the core focus on quality education. 

From the student’s viewpoint, this means morning assemblies, classrooms and perhaps even corridors will echo the song. Some teachers believe this could build rhythm, discipline and shared experience; others wonder about the impact if it’s done “just because it’s mandated” rather than from feeling.

It’s worth remembering the origins of the song: “Vande Mataram” was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in the novel Anandamath in 1882. Its role in the freedom struggle and post-independence identity is well established, making the move rich with symbolism.

What remains to be seen is how this change will translate on the ground: Will students engage enthusiastically, or treat it as another compulsory task? Will the focus on singing this one song shift attention from other parts of civic education? As educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh begin implementing this, the experiment will offer lessons on how ritual, patriotism and pedagogy mix in the modern classroom.