The Maharashtra government has instructed all schools across the state to sing the complete version of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ from October 31 to November 7, according to media reports.
Currently, schools sing only the first two stanzas of the song. However, as part of the celebration, the government circular mandates that schools of all mediums must render the full version of Vande Mataram and organize exhibitions showcasing its history, cultural importance, and legacy.
The directive was issued by the School Education Department on October 27 through an official circular. The move marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
However, the move has been opposed by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi. He said making Vande Mataram compulsory was not right because everyone has different beliefs. Islam gives a lot of importance to respecting one’s mother but it does not allow prostrating before her, he said.
Targeting the BJP without naming it, Azmi said, “You do nothing, don’t carry out any development. Just indulge in Hindu-Muslim (politics) and win (elections)…When a tiger tastes blood, it keeps looking for it. So they keep doing research on issues that could upset Muslims.”
Reacting to it, Maharashtra BJP media chief Navnath Ban said, “If Abu Azmi is allergic to Vande Mataram, then he should move to Pakistan or any other country of his choice. If he wishes to live here, he needs to respect Vande Mataram and recite it,” according to the media reports.
In the circular, the school department also attached a letter written on February 18 by Radha Bhide of Thane-based Rajmata Jijabai Trust to Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for School Education, making the demand that the complete version of Vande Mataram song be sung in schools from October 31 to November 7.
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