Union Education Minister Pradhan urges regular "Vande Mataram" recitation across DU

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called for the collective recitation of "Vande Mataram" to be made a regular practice across classrooms of Delhi University, saying it would strengthen the spirit of nationalism among students.

Speaking at Ramjas College during an event celebrating 150 years of the national song, Pradhan said such an initiative could grow into a "mass movement" promoting unity and national pride among the youth.

He emphasized that "Vande Mataram" had played a crucial role in uniting people during India’s freedom struggle and could now serve as a source of inspiration for building a “strong and prosperous India.”

"If students across the university sing the full version of Vande Mataram together, it will carry forward the song’s message and connect it meaningfully with future generations," the minister said, calling the collective act “powerful and transformative.”

Sharing his experience of joining students in singing the song at the event, Pradhan said it reminded him of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.

He also noted that the song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji and first published in 1875, had a defining role in shaping India’s national identity.

Originally included in Chatterji’s novel "Anandamath," "Vande Mataram" became a symbol of patriotism and unity during the freedom movement.

In 1950, it was accorded equal status with the national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," by Dr Rajendra Prasad, then President of the Constituent Assembly.

In a related development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the singing of "Vande Mataram" will soon be made compulsory in all schools and educational institutions across the state.

Speaking at an ‘Ekta Yatra’ and a mass singing event in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said the decision aims to strengthen students’ emotional and cultural connection with the country.

He added that the national song reflects deep respect and devotion toward the motherland.

"Every student should feel proud while singing Vande Mataram. We will introduce it as a compulsory practice in every educational institution of Uttar Pradesh," the CM said.