The West Bengal government has directed all government and government-aided schools to begin their day by singing the state anthem, Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal, making the Tagore composition a mandatory morning prayer song across campuses.

The order, issued recently by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, instructs heads of upper-primary and secondary schools to ensure the song is sung “regularly and mandatorily” at morning assemblies.

Education Minister Bratya Basu announced the decision on X, emphasising that the iconic 1905 composition will now formally open the school day as a prarthana sangeet.

An anthem rooted in resistance and identity

Written by Rabindranath Tagore during the 1905 partition of Bengal, Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal was conceived as a lyrical assertion of Bengal’s unity and cultural pride. Celebrating the land and water of Bengal, the song became a symbol of resilience during a period of political turmoil.

Basu said that singing the state anthem daily—alongside the national anthem, also penned by Tagore—would act as “a catalyst for social and communal unity”, fostering a deeper emotional connection between students and Bengal’s rich cultural legacy. Officials believe the move will reinforce young learners’ sense of heritage at a time of shifting political narratives.

From citizen mandate to classroom ritual

The directive follows a citizens’ convention convened by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in September 2023 to select an official state anthem.

Representatives from political parties, religious groups and civil society unanimously backed Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal. The Legislative Assembly later passed a resolution formalising it as the state song, mandating its performance at all official events.

By extending the mandate to schools, the government aims to embed the anthem in daily public life. The decision also arrives amid intensifying political sparring between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP over Bengal’s cultural symbols—a context that adds weight and consequence to the announcement.