A directive has been issued by the Union Home Ministry, mandating a six-stanza version of 'Vande Mataram', lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds, must be played or sung during important Union government events such as presidential visits, flag unfurling events, and so on. A detailed order was sent out to all the states, Union territories, and the Union ministries. The order has established specific protocols that must be followed with the audience standing at attention. An important part of the directive is that if the national song 'Vande Mataram' is played along with the national anthem, the national song must be played first.
The move formalises protocols that were previously undefined, expanding beyond the first two stanzas adopted in 1950 to the full six-stanza version. The directive categorises official events based on whether the song is strictly played by a band or requires mass singing, with the latter expected for ceremonies like flag hoisting and cultural gatherings. Schools are also encouraged to begin their day with community singing of the song, which written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s, served as a rallying cry during the freedom movement.
The initiative follows intense political discourse led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who argued during parliamentary debates last December that the original, full intent of the song was compromised when only its truncated form was officially adopted. The Union government has recently increased efforts to popularise the song, highlighting its significance as a salutation to the motherland and emphasising the need for proper decorum whenever it is performed.
Also read: TN Guv seeks equal status for 'Vande Mataram', 'National Anthem'
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