The district elementary education officer in the Indian state of Haryana announced a new order saying that schools across the state will have to replace typical greetings like 'good morning' and 'good evening' with 'Jai Hind' on August 15, India's Independence Day.
“On the suggestion of the Education Minister, the Education Department has issued orders that on the occasion of Independence Day, children, teachers and all of us in our schools should use 'Jai Hind' instead of greetings like 'Good Morning' and 'Good Evening',” District Elementary Education Officer, Ambala, Sudhir Kalra told news agency ANI.
He added, “These orders will apply to all schools including private schools because the feeling of patriotism should be instilled in all children and people so that it will be implemented in all schools.”
The move, initiated by the Haryana government, is to "instil a deep sense of patriotism and national pride" among the students, said the directorate of school education in a statement on Thursday (Aug 8).
The circular was shared withall the district education officers, district elementary education officers, district block education officers, block elementary education officers, principals and headmasters.
The circular states that 'Jai Hind'will replace 'good morning'in schools so that students can be inspired "every day with the spirit of national unity" and inspire "respect for the rich history" of the country.
The patriotic greeting 'Jai Hind' will encourage students to appreciate sacrifices made for the country's freedom, the circular said.
'Jai Hind' transcends regional, linguistic, and cultural differences and promotes unity among students from diverse backgrounds, it added.
The circular mentioned that regular use of greetings like 'Jai Hind' will inculcate a sense of discipline and uniformity among students.
"This greeting is both inspirational and motivational, reminding students of their potential to contribute to the progress of the nation. 'Jai Hind' is a source of inspiration for young Indians which encourages them to contribute positively to the development of India," it stated.
(With inputs from agencies)