In a move celebrating Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, the West Bengal government has made it mandatory for all government and government-aided schools to sing the state song ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ during morning assemblies. The directive, issued by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, instructs all upper primary and secondary school heads to ensure that the state song is sung daily as part of the morning prayer (Prarthana Sangeet). The notification, released on Thursday, reflects the state’s commitment to fostering unity, cultural identity, and patriotism among students.
About the Notification
The official order emphasizes that all schools must take necessary action for regular singing of the state song at morning assemblies without fail. The announcement was shared by State Education Minister Bratya Basu on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’, composed in 1905, will now be performed every day along with the national anthem, also penned by Tagore. Basu added that this practice will serve as a “catalyst for social and communal unity”, highlighting the song’s emotional resonance and cultural symbolism for Bengal.
Historical Significance of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’
Composed in 1905 by Rabindranath Tagore, ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ (translated as “The Soil of Bengal, The Water of Bengal”) was written during the anti-partition movement protesting the British colonial government’s decision to divide Bengal. The song became a rallying cry for unity and resistance, symbolizing Bengal’s spiritual and cultural identity. Tagore’s verses encapsulate the love for the motherland and the deep connection between the land, people, and their shared heritage.
Journey to Becoming the State Song
The declaration of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ as the official state song of West Bengal followed a thoughtful and democratic process initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In September 2023, she convened a citizens’ convention that included representatives from political parties, community leaders, religious scholars, and eminent personalities to decide upon the state song’s melody and format. The convention unanimously endorsed ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’. Subsequently, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a resolution adopting it as the official state song, and an official order was issued to make it mandatory at all state functions alongside the national anthem.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Song Title: Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal
- Written and Composed By: Rabindranath Tagore (1905)
- Purpose: To promote unity, patriotism, and respect for Bengal’s cultural identity
- Mandate: Daily singing in all government and aided schools during morning assembly
- Announced By: West Bengal Board of Secondary Education
- Supported By: Education Minister Bratya Basu and CM Mamata Banerjee
- Implementation Date: November 2025
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Key Aspect | Details |
| State | West Bengal |
| State Song | Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal |
| Written By | Rabindranath Tagore |
| Year of Composition | 1905 |
| Mandate | Daily singing at morning assemblies in all govt and govt-aided schools |
| Announced By | State Education Minister Bratya Basu |
| Approved By | Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee |
| Purpose | Promote social unity, patriotism, and cultural awareness |
Cultural and Educational Significance
The inclusion of ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ as a mandatory morning prayer strengthens students’ understanding of Bengal’s literary and cultural legacy. The state government believes this initiative will instill a sense of belonging and collective identity among children while preserving Tagore’s vision of unity and peace. The combination of the state song and the national anthem in assemblies emphasizes both regional pride and national integrity. Education experts have also lauded the move for its potential to enhance cultural education and foster emotional connection among students toward their homeland.
Exam Oriented Facts
- ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.
- The song was composed during the movement against the partition of Bengal.
- The West Bengal Legislative Assembly adopted it as the official state song in 2023.
- The State Education Department made daily singing mandatory in 2025.
- The initiative was announced by Education Minister Bratya Basu and approved by CM Mamata Banerjee.
The West Bengal government’s decision to make ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’ a part of daily school assemblies reaffirms the state’s dedication to cultural preservation and unity through education. Written by Rabindranath Tagore, the song embodies Bengal’s enduring identity and shared values. This initiative reflects Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vision of integrating cultural heritage into modern education while fostering harmony and pride among the youth. For further updates and official notifications, visit the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education’s website and bookmark this page for reference.
