Haryana’s Directorate of School Education has mandated that schools across the state replace the traditional greeting of ‘Good morning’ with ‘Jai Hind’ starting this Independence Day, with the said aim of fostering a deeper sense of patriotism and national pride among students.
The decision was communicated through a circular distributed to district education officers, school principals, and headmasters statewide. The move is intended to inspire students daily with a spirit of national unity and respect for India's rich historical heritage, the circular claimed.
The circular highlights that "Jai Hind," a phrase popularized by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the Indian freedom struggle, was adopted by the armed forces as a salute post-independence. By integrating this greeting into daily school routines, the directive seeks to promote appreciation for the sacrifices made for India's freedom.
The circular emphasizes that "Jai Hind" transcends regional, linguistic, and cultural differences, helping to unite students from diverse backgrounds. It is anticipated that using this greeting regularly will foster a sense of discipline and uniformity among students while also reinforcing cultural heritage and national traditions. The initiative is expected to be implemented before the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremonies in schools.
Haryana is home to approximately 14,300 government schools and an estimated 7,000 private schools, collectively serving around 23.10 lakh students. While the circular aims to be widely publicized, an education department official clarified that it remains an advisory rather than a binding mandate, similar to recommendations for daily yoga and quizzes. There are no penalties for non-compliance, and no new laws or regulations have been introduced.
Reactions to the directive have been mixed. Some educational leaders suggest that both "good morning" and "Jai Hind" could coexist, with "Jai Hind" serving a specific purpose to foster patriotism. Others express support for the initiative but stress that its success depends on the commitment of teachers and parents. Additionally, there are concerns about the practical challenges of changing established greeting habits among students, a process that may take time.