Will Republic Day Be A Full School Day In Maharashtra? Details Inside

From 26 January 2025, Republic Day will no longer be a holiday in schools across Maharashtra, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. Instead, students will participate in full-day activities aimed at fostering national pride and a deeper understanding of India's culture and history.

The School Education Department issued a circular on Tuesday, mandating all government and private schools to organise patriotic-themed events. The directive outlines a schedule starting with flag-hoisting and a 'Prabhat Pheri' (morning march), followed by competitions and exhibitions. These activities include elocution, poetry, essay writing, drawing, dancing, sports, and patriotic exhibitions.

The circular emphasises the importance of engaging students in meaningful celebrations. It states, "On the day of January 26, we should create a feeling of national pride among the students about the history of the nation, our great culture and the future of the country." District education officers and education inspectors are responsible for ensuring strict implementation of the directive.

While the government aims to use Republic Day as an opportunity to inspire patriotism, the decision has sparked criticism as per the same report. Teacher activist Bhausaheb Chaskar raised concerns about the added pressure on students, saying, "Students are already overwhelmed with events being celebrated in schools. There are so many occasions to observe, and they sometimes compete with the curriculum for time."

Chaskar also pointed out that schools have always marked Republic Day with activities, questioning the necessity of a full-day celebration. "Where is the need to dedicate the entire day to such celebrations?" he asked, according to the HT report.

The government's initiative aims to instil pride in India's achievements and culture, but concerns remain about its impact on students' academic schedules. As schools prepare to implement the directive, the balance between education and extracurricular activities will be closely watched.