Republic Day No Longer a Holiday in Maharashtra Schools, Rather an All-Day Event
The state government has mandated that starting 2025, Republic Day will no longer be a school holiday in Maharashtra, instead it will be an all-day-event in the schools.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the state government has directed that the day be observed with all-day celebrations in schools, replacing the traditional post-flag-hoisting break.
The school education department issued a circular mandating that both government and private schools organize activities that instill national pride among students. “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,” the circular states.
A Day Packed with Patriotic Activities
Schools will need to organize eight specific events, including a ‘Prabhat Pheri’ (morning march), elocution, poetry, drawing, dancing, essay writing, sports competitions, and exhibitions. All activities will focus on a patriotic theme, ensuring that students are engaged throughout the day.
District education officers and education inspectors are tasked with overseeing the implementation of these activities to ensure adherence to the government’s directive.
Mixed Reactions from Educators
The decision has drawn criticism from some quarters. Teacher activist Bhausaheb Chaskar remarked, “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. Schools were already marking Republic Day with various activities, so dedicating the entire day seems unnecessary.”
With Republic Day 2025 just a few days away, schools in Maharashtra will now need to prepare for a significant shift in how the national occasion is celebrated.
This year however, Republic Day, January 26, falls on a Sunday, which is already a holiday. It will be interesting to see how schools and authorities plan to implement the state’s directives under these unique circumstances.
