West Bengal Schools Mandate Recitation of “Vande Mataram” in Morning Assemblies

Following the implementation of the order, multiple videos have surfaced showing students reciting and learning the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Reports indicate that prior exposure to the composition among students had been limited before the directive was introduced, marking a notable shift in daily school routines.

School principals have largely responded positively to the move, stating that the inclusion of “Vande Mataram” in morning assemblies is expected to promote a stronger sense of national identity and civic awareness among students. This sentiment has been expressed in the context of the recent 2026 electoral outcome, which brought the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in the state.

However, the decision has also sparked political criticism. Leaders of the Congress party have objected to the compulsory nature of the directive, citing concerns over historical sensitivities associated with certain stanzas of the composition. The debate has added a new dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding cultural expression and educational policy in the state.

The mandate marks a notable shift in the symbolic framework of school assemblies in West Bengal, reflecting broader political and cultural realignments following the change in government.