The government of Odisha on Friday approved a proposal to include it in the syllabus for classes IX and X in government-run schools from the next academic year. The state school and mass education department issued a notification in this regard following chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s approval.
The chief minister of Odisha said including the immortal song written by literary doyen Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra and glorifying Mother Utkala will imbibe Odia pride and patriotism among students and help them to know about the glory and rich culture of the state. As we know, Months after Bande Utkala Janani was accorded state song status.
“While according to the state song status to Bande Utkala Janani, the cabinet has directed the school and mass education department to include it in the school syllabus. The decision has been taken accordingly. The syllabus committee of the SCERT will decide the exact portion of the song to be included in the syllabus,” said a senior government official.
On May 30, Odisha came to a standstill at 5:30 pm as people from all sections sang Bande Utkala Janani following an appeal from the chief minister as a gesture of solidarity towards Covid warriors and to show that all are together in the fight against the pandemic. The song can also be played or sung with musical instruments in schools, colleges, public meetings, and different cultural events.
Source: TOI
