Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed that the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ be rendered before the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ at all government functions and in schools, following instructions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
In an official communication issued by Additional Secretary Nityananda Singh of the School and Mass Education Department, the state government has ordered that the guidelines issued by the Ministry on July 9 be followed strictly and in full spirit across educational institutions.
District Education Officers, Block Education Officers, and heads of both government and government-aided schools have been specifically instructed to ensure adherence. The original lyrics, correct pronunciation, and prescribed tune of both ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ must be maintained without any deviation, the department has stressed, cautioning against incorrect versions.
Separately, the Odisha Home Department has conveyed the same directive to Revenue Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, and Superintendents of Police. Schools have been advised to encourage students to sing the national anthem collectively during morning assemblies and to foster respect for the national flag, national anthem, and national song.
The guidelines also require everyone present to stand at attention whenever the national anthem is played or sung, except when it forms part of a film or documentary.
Institutions have further been told to refrain from any unnecessary or inappropriate use of the anthem.
The state government has called upon all educational authorities to ensure full compliance with these instructions across institutions.
