In a firm push for national pride and protocol, the Odisha School & Mass Education Department has directed every educational institution in the state to strictly follow the latest central government orders on the National Song and National Anthem.
The circular, issued by Additional Secretary Nityananda Singh on 30 July 2026 and further disseminated by district education officers (including Ganjam’s memo dated 3 August 2026), reaches all directors, district and block education officers, principals of higher secondary schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas and headmasters of every high school. It enforces a letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated 9 July 2026, which was routed through the Odisha Home Department on 23 July.
The core instruction is crystal clear: whenever both the National Song (*Vande Mataram*) and the National Anthem (*Jana Gana Mana*) are to be performed, the National Song must come first, followed by the National Anthem. This sequence is non-negotiable, whether at school functions, cultural programmes or official events. If a state song is also included, the National Song and Anthem are still to be rendered together—with *Vande Mataram* preceding *Jana Gana Mana*.
Authorities have been told to ensure absolute accuracy in lyrics, diction and pronunciation. The correct texts and audio references are available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website (mha.gov.in). Schools are further encouraged to begin each day’s work with community singing of the full National Anthem so that students grow up with genuine respect for the National Flag, Song and Anthem.
Whenever the Anthem is sung or played, everyone present must stand to attention. The only exception is when it forms part of a newsreel or documentary film, where standing could disrupt the screening. Indiscriminate or casual playing of either the Song or the Anthem is discouraged; it must always be treated with dignity.
The circular stresses that these are not mere suggestions. “Suitable instructions… for strict compliance” have been demanded from every institution under the department’s jurisdiction. Education officers have been told to go through the orders carefully and ensure they are followed without fail.
With the new academic session under way, the message from Bhubaneswar is unambiguous: national symbols deserve precision, sequence and respect—starting right from the school assembly.
