Reciting national anthem during morning assembly now compulsory in all Jammu and Kashmir schools

The Jammu and Kashmir school education department on Thursday issued a circular directing all schools in the Union territory to begin their morning assemblies with a recitation of the national anthem, reported PTI.

“Morning assembly should begin with the national anthem as per standard protocol,” said the circular issued by the principal secretary to the school education department.

It added that morning assemblies in schools “have proved to be an invaluable ritual in instilling a sense of unity and discipline among the students”.

“They [assemblies] serve as platforms to nurture the values of moral integrity, shared community and mental tranquillity,” it said. “However, it has been observed that such a significant ritual/tradition is not being carried out uniformly across various schools of Jammu and Kashmir Union territory.”

The department asked the schools to organise discussions about the environment and student achievements, among other topics, to inculcate leadership qualities in students.

The circular has also asked teachers to discuss with students the autobiographies of freedom fighters, and to deliver “inspirational talks” to motivate students and set a “positive tone” reported the Hindustan Times.

The directive comes against the backdrop of four militant attacks in the Union territory since Sunday.

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