Schools in Maharashtra Directed to Organize Poetry Presentations, ‘Pasaydan’ Recitals Ahead of Independence Day

Pune, 4th August 2025: Ahead of India’s 78th Independence Day, the Maharashtra School Education Department has issued detailed directives to schools across the state to enhance patriotic engagement among students. This year’s celebrations will not be limited to flag hoisting and cultural programs on August 15 but will also include poetry presentations and the recital of ‘Pasaydan’ on August 14, in view of the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.

According to the circular issued by the Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, all government and private schools, regardless of the medium of instruction, must organize a minimum 20-minute patriotic program on August 15. The agenda includes student poetry recitations, freedom movement-themed drills, and cultural activities that foster awareness of India’s struggle for independence. Schools have also been encouraged to use patriotic background music to enhance the presentations.

In addition, a marching parade of students after the flag hoisting has been mandated. The circular also calls for the inclusion of students from various age groups and social backgrounds in the poetry sessions, which should aim to build national pride and emotional connection with the country’s legacy of freedom.

On August 14, a day before Independence Day, all schools have been directed to organize the chanting of Pasaydan, a spiritual verse composed by Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. The directive comes as part of the Saptashatabdi Golden Jubilee (750th Birth Anniversary) celebrations of the revered 13th-century saint and philosopher. The circular from the Education Department, signed by Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan, emphasizes the Chief Minister’s instruction to incorporate Pasaydan chanting in every school to mark the occasion.

The roots of these directives lie in a broader policy document issued earlier on December 31, 2024, which outlined various Republic Day celebration formats like morning processions, speech contests, poetry and dance competitions, drawing activities, and traditional sports. The latest circular is an extension of that model for Independence Day.

While most schools have experience organizing cultural programs like Prabhat Pheri, patriotic lectures, and group songs, some challenges remain. “Many schools still do not have dedicated physical education instructors. In such cases, regular teachers will have to guide students through drills and poetry recitations,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former headmaster and education expert.

The Education Department has made it clear that schools must submit a detailed report on their Independence Day activities to the concerned authorities.