Starting August 15, 2024, Haryana schools will replace the customary “Good Morning” with “Jai Hind” as the daily greeting between students and teachers. This initiative, announced by the Haryana Directorate of School Education, aims to deepen students' sense of nationalism and patriotism.
The decision, communicated through a two-page circular to district education officers, principals, and headmasters, highlights the historical significance of “Jai Hind.” Coined by Subhas Chandra Bose during India’s freedom struggle, this phrase was adopted as a salute by the Indian armed forces after Independence. The circular emphasizes that incorporating “Jai Hind” into daily school interactions will promote discipline and unity among students and serve as a daily reminder of their identity as Indians and their role in shaping the country’s future.
The Directorate’s rationale for this change includes fostering a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made for India’s freedom. Using “Jai Hind,” students are encouraged to acknowledge and honour the historical struggle for independence, transcending regional, linguistic, and cultural differences. This new greeting is expected to strengthen unity among students from diverse backgrounds, promote a sense of uniformity, and instil a deeper understanding of national pride and discipline.
The adoption of “Jai Hind” aims to create a more cohesive and patriotic atmosphere within schools, aligning daily interactions with the broader goals of national integration and unity.