World Record Created for Mass Drill on Patriotic Songs – Information Shared by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse

Over Two Crore Students Participate Simultaneously in Statewide Mass Drill on Republic Day under ‘Nation First’ Initiative

Mumbai, January 2026 : Under the ‘Nation First’ initiative, following the official flag-hoisting ceremonies on the occasion of Republic Day, school students across Maharashtra simultaneously participated in a mass drill performed to patriotic songs. As part of this initiative, more than two crore students from one lakh schools across all divisions of the state carried out a disciplined and synchronized drill at the same time. Around seven lakh teachers also took part in the activity. The event has been officially recorded by the World Book of Records, London, thereby establishing a world record, informed School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse.

Conceptualized by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and implemented under the guidance of School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, students had been practicing for the drill over the past several months. For this purpose, the School Education Department provided a 14-minute instructional video to all schools across the state. As a result, students were able to present a graceful, disciplined, and perfectly coordinated drill simultaneously.

In addition, based on a district-level initiative implemented in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, separate world records have also been registered by the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records.

Expressing satisfaction over the success of the initiative, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said that the program was organized simultaneously across the state in a well-planned and systematic manner with the objective of instilling the value of ‘Nation First’ in students, and strengthening feelings of patriotism, discipline, and unity among them. Effective planning was carried out at the district, taluka, and school levels. He acknowledged the valuable cooperation received from various voluntary organizations, the district administration, health services, police, fire services, and education enthusiasts. Due to their active participation, the initiative was conducted in a safe, disciplined, and inspiring manner.

He further stated that the ‘Nation First’ initiative has not only set a world record but has also played a vital role in sowing the seeds of deep patriotism in the minds of the future generation. He announced that a collective drill on patriotic songs will now be conducted every Saturday in schools of all media, managements, and languages across the state.

For the success of this initiative, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse and Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar congratulated all students, teachers, and concerned officials and extended their best wishes.

For the successful execution of this statewide initiative, efforts were taken by Principal Secretary of the School Education Department Ranjitsingh Deol, Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, all District Collectors, Chief Executive Officers, all Municipal Commissioners, Directors, along with officers from the School Education Department, Tribal Development Department, Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Other Backward Classes and Bahujan Welfare Department, as well as headmasters, teachers, students, parents, and citizens.