West Bengal’s state-run and state-aided schools will now mandatorily include ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ in their morning assemblies. The directive, effective immediately, requires the song to be sung daily alongside the National Anthem before classes commence.
New Mandate for School Assemblies
The West Bengal government announced the new requirement for all educational institutions under its purview. Previously, schools in the state did not have a prescribed prayer song beyond the National Anthem.
Education Minister Bratya Basu confirmed the decision on his official X account. He stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee consented to the inclusion of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ as the daily prayer song.
Basu clarified that the new state prayer song will be sung in conjunction with the National Anthem, not as a replacement. The government aims for the initiative to foster ‘communal unity and social harmony’ among students.
Historical Significance of the Song
‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ (Bengal’s Land, Bengal’s Water) was written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. Tagore composed the song as a protest against the British partition of Bengal, which divided the province based on religious lines. The song advocates for a united Bengal, emphasizing the shared identity and heritage of its people. It holds the status of West Bengal’s state anthem.
The historical context of the song’s creation underscores its message of unity. By introducing it into school assemblies, the government intends to make younger generations more aware of the importance of preserving harmony within society.
Implementation and Official Directives
Following the Chief Minister’s consent, the Education Minister’s announcement was supported by official channels. A notice from the Deputy Secretary (Academic) confirmed the mandatory singing of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ in morning assemblies with immediate effect.
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has also issued directives to all affiliated schools. WBBSE President Ramanuj Ganguy confirmed that notifications instructing schools to mandatorily sing the state song during morning assembly have been disseminated. These directives ensure uniform implementation across the state’s secondary education system.
Government’s Stated Goals
The inclusion of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol’ is part of a broader effort to instill values of social cohesion. Minister Basu described the move as a ‘catalyst’ for unity. The government emphasizes the song’s ability to connect students with the state’s cultural and historical legacy while promoting an inclusive social environment.