UP CM Yogi Adityanath Declares Vande Mataram Mandatory In Schools To Promote Patriotism

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that singing "Vande Mataram" will be mandatory in all state educational institutions. This decision was revealed during an 'Ekta Yatra' event in Gorakhpur, marking 150 years since the song's. Adityanath believes this move will instill reverence and pride for Bharat Mata and the motherland among citizens.

The song "Vande Mataram" was penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on Akshaya Navami in 1875. It first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. Over time, it became a symbol of India's awakening and resistance during colonial rule.

Controversy Surrounding Vande Mataram

The Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of disrespecting the Congress Working Committee of 1937 and Rabindranath Tagore. The opposition demands an apology from Modi, urging him to address current issues instead. This follows Modi's remarks about the omission of key stanzas from "Vande Mataram" in 1937, which he claims contributed to divisive mindsets leading to partition.

During the event, Adityanath referenced leaders like Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mohammad Ali Jauhar, stating that opposing "Vande Mataram" insults India's unity. He emphasized the need for loyalty to the nation and urged citizens to oppose divisive elements within society.

Historical Context and Political Reactions

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Modi's comments, highlighting that the RSS had no role in India's freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Ramesh shared details from a 1937 Congress Working Committee meeting attended by prominent leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.

The CWC statement from October 28, 1937, influenced by Tagore's advice, noted that only the first two stanzas of "Vande Mataram" were widely used due to their national significance. These stanzas describe India's beauty and abundance without religious bias.

The statement further explained that other stanzas contained religious references not aligned with all groups in India. Thus, it recommended singing only the first two stanzas at national gatherings while allowing other unobjectionable songs as alternatives.

Adityanath stressed that every Indian must unite against divisive forces. He warned against allowing new figures like Jinnah to emerge and called for burying any such intent before it takes root.