Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Maharashtra Schools to Sing Full Vande Mataram for 150th Anniversary
Schools in Maharashtra have been asked to sing the whole version of a patriotic song called 'Vande Mataram' for a week.
This is to celebrate the song's 150th birthday, which is on October 31.
Usually, only part of the song is sung in schools.
The government also wants schools to show the song's history.
However, one politician, Abu Azmi, said that making everyone sing it shouldn't be mandatory because people have different beliefs.
This made the ruling party, BJP, angry.
They said if he doesn't like the song, he should go to Pakistan.
The BJP believes that respecting the song is important for everyone living in India.
Maharashtra schools are directed by the government to sing the full version of 'Vande Mataram' from October 31 to November 7.
This directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song, which falls on October 31.
SP leader Abu Azmi opposed making the singing mandatory, citing different religious beliefs.
The ruling BJP reacted strongly, suggesting Azmi move to Pakistan if he disrespects the national song.
Schools are also asked to organize exhibitions on the history of 'Vande Mataram'.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government (School Education Department) and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi, and Maharashtra BJP
- What
- Maharashtra schools are directed to sing the full version of 'Vande Mataram' from October 31 to November 7 to commemorate its 150th anniversary, sparking political debate.
- When
- From October 31 to November 7, with the circular issued on October 27.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To celebrate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', though the mandate has become a point of political contention.
Abu Azmi (Samajwadi Party)
Maharashtra BJP
Mandatory Singing of 'Vande Mataram'
Abu Azmi (Samajwadi Party)
Opposes making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory, stating that different religious beliefs mean such a mandate is not right. He specifically mentioned Islam's teachings on respecting mothers without allowing prostration.
Maharashtra BJP
Supports the mandatory singing and views any opposition to 'Vande Mataram' as disrespect to the nation. They stated that if Azmi is 'allergic' to the song, he should move to Pakistan.
Focus of Political Discourse
Abu Azmi (Samajwadi Party)
Accuses the ruling party (BJP) of engaging in Hindu-Muslim politics to win elections, distracting from development issues.
Maharashtra BJP
Frames the debate as one of national respect and patriotism, implying that opposition to 'Vande Mataram' is anti-national.
- Event
- 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'
- Directive For
- All Maharashtra Schools
- Singing Period
- October 31 to November 7
- Circular Issued By
- School Education Department
- Circular Date
- October 27
- Song Author
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
