In a move to promote regional pride and cultural identity, the Maharashtra government has mandated the singing of the Maharashtra Geet in all schools across the state, immediately following the national anthem during morning assemblies. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, stating that the initiative will be implemented from the upcoming academic session in both government and private schools.
The Maharashtra Geet, an official state song that celebrates the rich heritage, history, and cultural diversity of Maharashtra, is expected to be a daily ritual in schools as part of a broader cultural awareness program introduced by the Department of Education.
The minister emphasized that the directive is not meant to replace the national anthem but to complement it by fostering a sense of pride and unity specific to the state. “We want our children to grow up with a deep connection to their roots. Singing the Maharashtra Geet will remind them of the state's sacrifices, achievements, and unique cultural identity,” Kesarkar said.
The Education Department has issued circulars to district education officers, instructing them to ensure implementation at the school level. Training sessions will be conducted for teachers and school staff on the correct lyrics, pronunciation, and melody of the Maharashtra Geet to maintain uniformity across the state.
Reactions from the education community have been largely positive. Many educators believe this move will deepen students' awareness of regional history and culture while also complementing civic education. Some schools in Mumbai and Pune have already begun pilot runs of the new morning routine.
Parents’ associations and student groups have welcomed the initiative but have also called for the inclusion of context-based learning modules that explain the historical significance of the state song, its authors, and the events that inspired it. This, they argue, will make the singing of the Maharashtra Geet more meaningful for the students.
Meanwhile, cultural experts have praised the government’s decision, viewing it as a valuable step towards preserving linguistic and regional traditions in a fast-globalizing education system. “This policy shows that regional pride can coexist with national unity,” said a cultural historian from Mumbai University.
The Maharashtra Geet initiative is part of a broader plan by the state government to infuse educational curricula with local history, languages, and traditions—creating a more holistic, inclusive learning environment for students.
As schools prepare for the upcoming session, the government has assured support in terms of materials, recordings, and awareness drives to ensure smooth implementation across the state.
