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The Maharashtra government has announced that Republic Day, January 26, will no longer be observed as an official holiday in the state. Instead the students are required to participate in activities that foster a sense of patriotism.
In a circular issued on Tuesday, the school education department had instructed all government and private schools to organize 1 day celebrations featuring a variety of competitions centered around patriotic themes. The circular said, “On the day of January 26, we should create a feeling of national pride among the students about the history of the nation, our great culture, and the future of the country. So, from January 26, 2025, the Republic Day will be celebrated in all government and private schools of all mediums with various events.”
The 8 competitions and events to be held on Republic Day include ‘Prabhat Pheri’ (morning march) following flag-hoisting, an elocution competition, a poetry competition, dance, drawing, essay writing, sports competitions, and an exhibition, with all patriotic focus. The directive also said that the district education officers and inspectors would be responsible for ensuring compliance.
Anyways, the directive has faced strong criticism. Teacher activist, Bhausaheb Chaskar remarked, as stated by Hindustan Times, “Students are already overwhelmed with events being celebrated in schools. There are so many occasions to observe and they sometimes compete with the curriculum, for time.” He elaborated, “It’s not as if schools have not been marking Republic Day with various events. But where is the need to dedicate the entire day to such celebrations?”