National anthem mandatory in morning assemblies of all Himachal schools; Yoga is now a compulsory subject
The Himachal Pradesh government has made it mandatory for all schools in the state to sing the national anthem every morning in the assembly session.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Singing the national anthem during the morning assembly session of all schools in Himachal Pradesh – private or government – will now be mandatory, the state government announced on Tuesday, saying the initiative is aimed at “instilling a sense of patriotism among students”. .
The Congress-ruled state has made it mandatory for all high and senior secondary schools to hoist the national flag on the school grounds every day.
“The government has decided to recite the national anthem in the morning assembly session in all schools of the state to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among the students,” an official statement said.
Apart from the above orders, the Himachal Pradesh government has made Yoga and Physical Education (PE) compulsory subjects which should henceforth be part of the curriculum of every school, the statement said.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said, “These activities will inculcate a sense of patriotism and sense of unity and integrity in the young generation and make them responsible citizens of the nation,” said Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
Sakhu said the state government is also making efforts to improve the physical health of students as physical education and yoga will be made compulsory subjects in the curriculum, requiring students to devote at least 15 minutes daily to physical exercise in all schools.
The Chief Minister further said that Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid will also be provided to the students in collaboration with the Department of Health and AYUSH and students will be equipped with life saving skills.
Sukhu said these reforms are part of his government's commitment to provide holistic education that focuses not only on academic excellence but also on physical health, national pride and civic responsibility.
“By integrating these elements into the daily lives of students, the government aims to create a more resilient, cohesive and patriotic future generation”, the statement said.
(with PTI input)
