Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced that the national song “Vande Mataram” will be made compulsory in all schools and educational institutions across the state.
Speaking at an ‘Ekta Yatra’ (Unity March) event in Gorakhpur, he said the move aims to instill a sense of pride and reverence for Bharat Mata and the motherland.
“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.
While addressing the gathering, the chief minister invoked historical leaders Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mohammad Ali Jauhar, asserting that those who oppose the national song are undermining India’s unity and integrity. “Even today, we would expect that everyone living in India would be loyal to the nation and work for its unity,” he added.
Adityanath further emphasised the need to counter forces that divide society along caste, regional, or linguistic lines, describing such divisions as part of a conspiracy to create “new Jinnahs.”
“It is now our duty to identify and oppose all elements that divide society. If anyone dares to challenge the nation’s integrity, we must bury such divisive intent before it can take root. Every citizen of India must stand united for this cause,” he said.
For context, Mohammad Ali Jinnah led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the creation of Pakistan in 1947 and became its first governor-general. Mohammad Ali Jauhar was a co-founder of the All-India Muslim League and a prominent leader in India’s independence movement.