Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala schools were not directed to sing Vande Mataram as part of Independence Day celebrations, according to guidelines issued by the General Education Department.
The circular issued to school head teachers and education officials directs institutions to hoist the National Flag and sing the National Anthem. It does not mention the national song, even as a political debate over Vande Mataram continues in the State.
What the school circular says
The guidelines ask heads of educational institutions to conduct the 80th Independence Day celebrations in an appropriate and dignified manner.
The National Flag is to be hoisted at 9 am or thereafter, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The programme can then include the head’s message and patriotic programmes.
Schools have also been instructed to ensure maximum participation of students and staff and follow the Flag Code of India, 2002. The use of plastic National Flags has been prohibited, while the Green Protocol is to be observed during the celebrations.
Vande Mataram row continues
The omission comes amid a controversy over an earlier communication concerning the singing of Vande Mataram during Independence Day programmes.
The Centre had issued guidance encouraging the national song’s rendition during certain official and ceremonial occasions, including community singing in schools. However, Kerala’s school-specific Independence Day instructions do not make its singing mandatory.
The issue has triggered political exchanges in Kerala, with different parties taking opposing positions on how Vande Mataram should feature in official celebrations.
Schools follow the issued programme
For Independence Day 2026, the State’s school guidelines therefore focus on flag hoisting, the National Anthem and patriotic programmes, without specifically directing schools to sing Vande Mataram.
The development comes as India marks its 80th Independence Day, with Vande Mataram also receiving renewed national attention this year as it completes 150 years.