APPENDIX `P' MEMORANDUM ON ITEM 18 : MEASURES FOR EMOTIONAL INTEGRATION-PLEDGE TO BE TAKEN BY ALL THE STUDENTS.
In many countries of the world, school children begin the day's work with mass singing of the national anthem and taking of a pledge of loyalty to their country. Reverence for the national flag is also inculcated and the correct manner of saluting, hoisting and lowering the flag is taught to pupils as a part of their training in citizenship.
2. In 1954, the Union Ministry of Education advised the State Governments to direct educational institutions to teach the pupils the singing of the National Anthem and the history and significance of the National Flag. It was suggested that the hoisting and salutation of the Flag should be practised as a part of school routine. In subsequent communications to the State Governments, it was emphasized that the National Anthem must be sung correctly both in regard to the words of the Anthem and its tune. For this purpose, the standardized vocal version of the Anthem, prepared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and approved by the late Prime Minister (Shri Jawaharlal Nehru) was to serve as the model. The Government of India also announced the award of prizes for singing of the Anthem in each State. Reports received from States show that these suggestions are being followed in all schools.
3. On the subject of pledge to be taken by students the Emo- tional Integration Committee made following observations and re- commendations :
"In addition to this daily meeting, the school assembly could also meet twice a year when the headmaster speaks to the children on any topic dealing with the unity and oneness of the country. On that day, children take a pledge of loyalty to India.Opinions vary regarding the usefulness or effectiveness of a pledge. Some maintain that it keeps the student conscious of his duty and obligation, others consider it a meaningless routine. We would here like to add that the Pledge drawn up by us in the Preliminary Report was intended only as a model for an all India Pledge.in the proper spirit, it will have a salutary effect on children. We have sugg- ested its being taken once at the beginning of each term to avoid its becoming mere routine and thereby lapsing into mechanical repetition. The taking of the Pledge should be a solemn and dignified occasion preceded by a flag hoisting ceremony and followed by the singing of the National Anthem. It should be a proud moment in the child's life at school."
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The form of pledge suggested by them was as under:
"India is my country, all Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. I shall always strive to be worthy of it.
I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect, and treat every one with courtesy. I shall be kind to animals.
To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well-being and prosperity alone lies my happiness."
The State Governments have been requested to implement this recommendation of the Committee.
4. In the context of the Emergency, this matter was again considered at a meeting of the Public Relations Committee of the National Defence Council in September, 1963. The Committee endorsed the opinion of the Emotional Integration Committee that the pledge should be taken on two or three important occasions each year so that it might not become a mere routine.
5. The main doubt in respect of the utility of a daily pledge is based on the fear that the solemnity appropriate to the occasion may not be expected in a daily function. On the other hand, a pledge taken once or twice a year may not have the same impact on the young minds as a daily pledge taken with due ceremony and dignity. In the present situation obtaining in the country it is felt that a pledge emphasizing the unity of the country and inspiring the students to a sense of devotion towards the nation should be taken every day in the morning assembly. As has been mentioned, such pledges are taken in other countries also and we should adopt safeguards against the pledge becoming a meaningless routine.
The Central Advisory Board of Education may consider this matter and advise whether a daily pledge should be taken. They may also like to indicate whether the pledge should be in the form suggested by the Emotional Integration Committee or in some other form.