Bihar makes Vande Mataram mandatory for school events, adds state song

The Bihar government has made it mandatory for all government educational institutions to begin their programmes with the national song 'Vande Mataram' and conclude with the state song 'Mere Bharat Ke Kanth Haar'. The national song will play before the national anthem, with the objective of promoting a sense of nationalism, identity and pride. The decision aims to recognise Bihar's glorious history through the singing of the state song.