Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced that singing 'Vande Mataram' will be made compulsory in all schools and educational institutions across the state. He made the announcement while speaking at an ‘Ekta Yatra’ and a mass singing of Vande Mataram in Gorakhpur.

The Chief Minister said the move is aimed at helping students develop respect and pride for the country. "There should be a sense of respect for the national song Vande Mataram. We will make its singing compulsory in every school and educational institution of Uttar Pradesh," Adityanath said.

This announcement comes soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a year-long national celebration to mark 150 years of the song Vande Mataram. The celebration will run from November 7, 2024, to November 7, 2026.

The patriotic song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on Akshaya Navami, November 7, 1875. It first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel ‘Anandamath’.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi described the song as a symbol of unity and inspiration.

"Vande Mataram is a true symbol of India's unity as it has inspired generations. I congratulate my Indian brothers and sisters on this occasion. As we mark 150 years of Vande Mataram today, this will give us new inspiration and fill the people of the country with new energy," he said.

The Prime Minister also added: "The main emotion of Vande Mataram is Bharat, Maa Bharati... Bharat ek rashtra ke roop mein wo kundan ban kar ubhra jo ateet ki har chot sehta raha aur sehkar bhi amaratva ko prapt kar gaya."

Vande Mataram played a powerful role during the Indian freedom struggle, becoming a rallying call for unity and national pride. The ongoing celebrations aim to help younger generations understand the historic and emotional importance of the song.

The Uttar Pradesh government will now work on implementing the new rule to ensure the song is sung regularly in schools across the state.