The Bihar state government has announced a new directive requiring the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' at the beginning of all official programs and in schools. This initiative aims to foster a sense of nationalism and cultural values among students and citizens. The events will commence with 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and conclude with the state song 'Mere Bharat Ke Kanthhaar, Tujhko Shat-Shat Vandan, Bihar', which was adopted in March 2012. The order was issued by Md Sohail, secretary of the general administration department, to ensure compliance across all government departments and educational institutions. Nikhil Anand, national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party's OBC Morcha, praised this decision, stating that it is essential for nurturing sentiments towards the motherland among children, thereby promoting unity and integrity in India. This move follows guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs mandating similar practices by January 2026, which the Supreme Court has indicated is advisory and carries no legal penalties for non-compliance.