Private schools fall in line, ‘Vande Mataram’ debuts on campuses

Kolkata: Private schools have begun aligning with the new directive issued by the school education department, with ‘Vande Mataram' introduced in morning assemblies either daily or periodically.National High School introduced ‘Vande Mataram' in the morning assembly on Friday. Principal Mousumi Saha said, "This was a good move by the state, and I feel students need to learn about patriotism. They should start learning about the rich heritage of Indian culture. I think this is the right time to make them aware of it. We have shared the words of the first stanza with students so they can prepare during the vacation. We have requested them to learn our National Song by heart." While Shri Shikshayatan School and Rishi Aurobindo Memorial Academy started the practice from Thursday, DPS Joka plans to start from Saturday.Several other schools have started planning for it. A principal said, "The new CM has requested us to introduce the song in schools. During the tenure of the previous govt, we had to comply with requests from the state. So, this time, too, we are taking the matter seriously. But right now, the school is closed for summer vacation, and we will take a call after the school reopens."Ruby Park Public School principal Mousumi Mohapatra said, "We have restructured the morning assembly to incorporate the singing of ‘Vande Mataram'." Rammohan Mission School and South City International School have decided to introduce it once classes resume after the summer vacation. Sujoy Biswas, the principal of Rammohan Mission School, said they have their annual day celebration on May 22, where junior class students will have a special performance of ‘Vande Mataram', and this year's programme theme is on patriotism.Birla High School principal Lovleen Saigal said since they received an earlier order from CBSE to introduce the National Song during the morning assembly, they have been following the practice. "The National Anthem and ‘Vande Mataram' are being sung periodically, and they will continue for now. We have restructured the morning assembly to incorporate the singing of ‘Vande Mataram'. while ensuring complete participation, proper time management and no disruption to academic studies," she said.Terence John, the director of education and development, Julien Day Group of Schools, said, "We are planning to introduce ‘Vande Mataram' once a week along with the National Anthem."Other schools will take a call when they reopen after summer break. State-run schools will implement this practice from June 1.