West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Jalpaiguri, June 1: Government schools across West Bengal reopened on Monday after the summer vacation, marking the beginning of a new academic phase for thousands of students. In accordance with a directive issued by the state government, the school day commenced with morning prayer assemblies followed by the collective singing of the patriotic song Vande Mataram. The state government had recently made it mandatory for all schools to sing "Vande Mataram" during prayer assemblies.

Sonaulla Primary School in Jalpaiguri, students were seen standing in orderly rows within the school premises and singing "Vande Mataram" together in unison at the start of the day. Following the prayer session and the rendition of the song, regular classroom teaching and academic activities resumed as scheduled. Similar scenes were witnessed in government schools across different districts of the state, where students participated enthusiastically in the new morning routine.

The reopening of schools after the summer break brought a sense of excitement among students, many of whom returned to classrooms after an extended vacation. The introduction of the collective singing of "Vande Mataram" added a new dimension to the reopening, with school authorities ensuring that the directive was implemented uniformly across institutions.

Teachers, education staff, and parents also welcomed the initiative, describing it as an effort to instill patriotic values and a sense of national pride among young learners. Many viewed the practice as an opportunity to strengthen students' awareness of the country's heritage and foster a spirit of unity within school communities.

The state government, the primary objective behind the initiative is to promote national integration and cultivate feelings of patriotism among students from an early age. Officials believe that beginning the school day with a patriotic song can help reinforce shared values, encourage civic consciousness, and create a stronger sense of belonging among students.

With government schools across West Bengal resuming classes after the summer vacation, the singing of "Vande Mataram" has now become an integral part of the morning assembly process. The initiative marks a significant change in the daily routine of state-run educational institutions and is expected to continue as part of the government's broader effort to promote national unity and patriotic awareness among students.