NEW DELHI: “The slogan first used by the soldiers of Azad Hind Fauz during their fight for Indian Independence will instill a sense of patriotism among the students,” said Education Minister Vijay Shah on Wednesday, explaining on order mandating students in Madhya Pradesh to answer attendance calls with the slogan ‘Jai Hind.’

The order, passed on May 15, 2018 and signed by deputy Secretary School education Pramod Singh reads, “ It has now been made compulsory for all 1.22 lakh government schools in state to answer attendance roll calls by saying “Jai Hind” instead of “Yes ma’am or Yes Sir.””

In October last year, a similar order had been passed by the Education Minister for all schools in the State’s Satana district. At the time, he had also stated that if this mission is successful, he would take an approval from the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and request him to implement this rule over the state, Whether it is public or private. At the time time, the government had already instructed the schools to hoist the Tricolour and sing the National Anthem daily. The Circular that was issued on Tuesday has taken permission from Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Shah says that by calling out “Jai Hind,” a sense of patriotism will be instilled amongst students and help keep Indian culture and respect for the nation alive -- which, the minister contends, young people in the country are neglecting and in danger of forgetting. The Education Minister had added that the government will de-recognise schools that fail to comply.

According to a report in the Indian Express, in November, while addressing the NCC cadets at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal, Shah had said that the current practice of marking attendance by saying “Yes Sir/Yes ma’am” doesn’t inculcate patriotism and thus should be replacesd with “Jai Hind”

The move by the Madhya Pradesh government has been criticised by the opposition parties. Congress leader K.K. Mishra said “We cannot force patriotism. There is no need to make it compulsory, the government should first focus more on the quality of education, lack of teachers in government schools.”

Manav Aggarwal of the Congress told The Citizen, “ Yeh koi galat cheez nai hai pur is tarah kisiko ko zabardasti Jai Hind kehelwana thikh nai hai”. (It is not a wrong thing but forcing someone to say Jai Hind is not right”).

The BJP, however, has praised the move. “It’s a great initiative for instilling patriotism among students. We should look upon this in a positive manner, BJP spokesperson Rahul Kothari said.

Talking to The Citizen, Mr. RK Yadav from The Civil Lines High school said, “State government ne yeh ghosna kiya tha “Jai Hind” bolne ka jo ki chalu ho chuki hai. Pehle toh sirf satna district ke liye tha pur abhi purey state mei bola jayega. Chuttiyon ke baad sarey bacche Iska palan karenge. Yeh kaafi acchi cheez hai aur humey ek hone ka ehsas karati hai”. ( The State government has mandated to use “Jai Hind” which has already been brought into exercise. Initially, it was only for the Satna district but now it has been mandatory for the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. After the holidays, the students will start following it. This is quite a great initiative and no doubt brings unity among all)

A student of the school added, “ Bahut badhiya cheez hai aur humey koi etraz nai hai.” ( It is a great thing indeed and we have no problems with it).

A class 7 student said, “ I am proud to shout Jai Hind. I am very proud of my country.”

Speaking to The Citizen, a teacher at Manjhgawan government school, Satna, Rajesh Tripathi said, “ In the past six months, we have seen immense improvement in the body language of the students. Earlier they used to giggle during the roll call but now they are in attention while saying “Jai Hind.”

Speaking to The Citizen, an authority of the school who wanted to remain anonymous said, “ I think it is a forceful act and controversies might arise later.”

The move has of received a mix bag of comments on Twitter:






Latest News

NIKITA MOHAPATRA & AMIT PANDEY