UP Mandates ‘Vande Mataram’ in All Schools: Yogi Adityanath

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the singing and recital of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ will be made compulsory in all schools and educational institutions across the state. The significant directive aims to instill a profound sense of national reverence, pride, and devotion to the motherland, or ‘Bharat Mata,’ among the state’s students and citizens.

The announcement was made by the Chief Minister during an ‘Ekta Yatra’ (Unity March) and a mass singing event of ‘Vande Mataram’ in Gorakhpur on Monday. The event was part of the year-long commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the ‘Iron Man of India,’ and the 150th anniversary of the national song itself, which was originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875.

Instilling National Pride and Countering Divisive Forces

In his address, CM Adityanath passionately emphasized the foundational role of ‘Vande Mataram’ in India’s freedom struggle, highlighting that it served as an “awakening mantra” for revolutionaries. He stressed that the mandatory recital of the song is essential for fostering national unity and integrity and ensuring a deep-seated respect for the nation’s heritage.

The Chief Minister’s statement was also framed as a strong stand against what he termed “divisive elements” in society. He urged the public to “identify and effectively counter” factors that weaken national unity, suggesting that opposition to the national song is part of a larger conspiracy. He made a pointed comment that citizens must ensure “no new Jinnahs are born” in the future to challenge India’s integrity, referencing Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

The National Song and Political Context

The decision comes amid a fresh political debate regarding the national song. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the controversy surrounding the truncation of the song’s original verses by the Congress in 1937, claiming the action had “sown the seeds of partition.”

CM Adityanath echoed this sentiment, accusing the opposition of previously labeling ‘Vande Mataram’ as communal due to its depiction of Mother India as a form of Hindu Goddesses. He asserted that no individual belief, caste, or religion is above the country’s unity, and that any faith that becomes a barrier to national harmony must be sidelined.

Implementation and Anticipated Impact

The implementation of this directive will require all educational authorities, in both government and private institutions, to incorporate the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ into their daily assemblies or morning prayer routines. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s educational landscape, reinforcing a curriculum that prioritizes patriotism and national identity.

While the government defends the mandate as a measure to strengthen national spirit, the compulsory nature of the order is likely to draw reactions from various political, social, and religious groups. ‘Vande Mataram’ has historically been a point of contention for some, who object to specific stanzas on religious grounds, leading to previous debates over its recitation in public spaces. The Uttar Pradesh government, however, remains firm that this measure is crucial for the cultural and patriotic development of its youth.