Rajasthan colleges asked to take part in massive Vande Mataram recital

The Rajasthan government has directed all the private and government colleges enrolled with the National Service Scheme (NSS) to take part in the massive Vande Mataram recital event in Jaipur on November 8.

The two-hour event, jointly organised by Rajasthan Youth Board and Hindu Spiritual Service Foundation (HSSF), will be held in the city’s SMS Stadium.

In an order issued on Wednesday, the Directorate of College Education has directed the principals of all the private and government colleges to appoint a convener to ensure all the students enrolled in the NSS take part in the event.

The order states that the event aims to inculcate good values among the youth so that they could rise above caste, religion and gender-based discriminations and develop positive attitude and a sense of patriotism.

“The event has nothing to do with the religion as people of different faiths will be taking part. First, a yoga event will be held followed by recital of Vande Mataram,” said Rajasthan Youth Board secretary Kailash Pahadiya.

However, the opposition Congress has criticised the move. “It’s a ploy to divert attention from the real issues of unemployment and lack of women empowerment. The youth need jobs. The government should be focusing on these issues,” Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma told Hindustan Times.

The event is the latest in a series of controversial orders issued by the state government in the past.

In an order issued on October 30, the government had asked the colleges to take students on educational tours to Pratap Gaurav Kendra Rashtriya Tirth in Udaipur, which provides information about 16th century Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap of Mewar.