- Shree Swami Narayan Gurukul, Gir Somnath represents Gujarat at national finale as 18 elite school bands march in unity
- Secretary Sanjay Kumar says National School Band Competition builds “discipline, teamwork and leadership” among students
- RDC-linked event blends education, armed forces tradition and cultural pride under NEP 2020 vision
- Tamil Nadu’s rich school band legacy echoed in the national movement strengthening music-led discipline
- Over 18,000 students competed nationwide before 18 teams from 11 States reached the grand finale
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NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 24
The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition (NSBC) 7.0, 2025–26, organised as part of the Republic Day Celebrations (RDC)–2026, was inaugurated at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, marking a powerful celebration of discipline, teamwork, leadership and musical excellence among India’s school students.
The event was inaugurated by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), and Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence, underscoring the growing synergy between education, culture and the armed forces tradition.
Among the 18 elite school bands performing at the national stage, Gujarat is represented by Shree Swami Narayan Gurukul Kumar Vidyalaya, Gir Somnath, carrying forward the State’s strong emphasis on discipline-based education and cultural values. The national movement also resonates deeply with Tamil Nadu’s long-standing school band culture, which has historically blended music, discipline and civic values into student life, reinforcing the larger national ethos of the competition.
This year’s competition brings together 18 school bands from 11 States, shortlisted after a rigorous multi-tier selection process. At the State-level, 763 teams comprising 18,013 students participated, while 94 teams advanced to the Zonal level, reflecting the scale and reach of the initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Kumar highlighted the transformative role of art-integrated education.
“Events such as the National School Band Competition play a vital role in nurturing leadership, discipline, teamwork and the holistic development of students,” he said, reiterating the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting diverse talents beyond classrooms in alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Drawing inspiration from the armed forces, he noted that school bands mirror the military tradition where music has long symbolised valour, unity and morale.
“Even in the most challenging wartime conditions, military bands have strengthened camaraderie and collective spirit. Participation at the national level itself is a significant milestone, reflecting months of rigorous practice and dedication by students,” he added.
In his address, Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education in institutionalising the competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
He lauded the students for their precision, dedication and musical excellence, noting that such initiatives instil patriotism and a deep sense of national service among young learners.
The National School Band Competition 2025–26 is supported under Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes, reinforcing the government’s vision of holistic education, cultural integration and youth empowerment.
The event concluded with Dr Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, presenting the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the contributions of participating schools, mentors, organisers and students for making the national finale a resounding success.
