All of Maharashtra to sing national anthem on August 17 in attempt to set new record

A day after Telangana's unique feat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed all the citizens in the state to collectively render the National Anthem at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, and attempt to set a new world record.

Terming it as an opportunity to set a global mark, the Chief Minister said this is part of the ongoing 75th Independence Day celebrations and the state Tourism & Cultural Affairs Secretary Saurabh Vijay has issued the necessary orders.

Participation is mandatory for all state government departments, universities and colleges while citizens are also expected to take part in the singing, said a government order issued last week. The singing should be completed between 11 am and 11:01 am across the state, the order added.


Simultaneously, the government has appealed to all private establishments, business and corporates, semi-government, Central and state government undertakings to allow their officers and employees to participate in the Wednesday programme.

"Private establishments, traders and even other government departments including those who come under the Union government are also expected to participate in it. Students are expected to gather on open grounds to sing the anthem," the order said.

Shinde also appealed to all common citizens to halt briefly at 11 a.m. to sing the National Anthem, in large numbers across the state.