Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha announces that the state’s School Education department has made the singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” compulsory in all schools in Tripura. Saha says the move follows directives issued by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs covering how the national songs are to be respected, including requirements on protocol and official versions.
According to Saha, the guidelines call for proper decorum to be followed across formal, semi-formal and educational settings, with the objective of promoting national pride and national integration among students. The announcement applies to schools across the state, including government schools, as stated in Saha’s explanation of the School Education department’s proposal.
NDTV adds that the official protocol includes standing to attention by students, faculty and administrative members when the anthem or national song is sung or played.
