Independence Day: No directive to sing Vande Mataram in Kerala schools

Thiruvananthapuram: There is no directive to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ on Independence Day in schools across the state. In the circular issued by the Director of General Education to schools and other educational institutions in the state as part of celebrating India’s 79th anniversary of independence grandly, there are no references regarding the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. The instruction specifies singing the National Anthem only, based on a circular from the Protocol Officer.

The circular states that heads of institutions must hoist the flag at or after 9 am on August 15, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Authorities clarified that the Flag Code of India (2002) must be strictly adhered to while hoisting the flag, and the manufacture as well as the use of plastic flags has been completely prohibited.

The guidelines also direct institutions to follow green protocol during the events and to ensure maximum participation of staff and students in programmes, including speeches by officials and the singing of patriotic songs.