Full version of Vande Mataram rendered during Onam closing ceremony; Minister clarifies stance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vande Mataram was rendered in its full form at the closing ceremony of the Onam week-long celebrations organised by the state government. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor R.V. Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Ministers P.C. Vishnunath, K. Muraleedharan, K.A. Thulasi, C.P. John, Roji M. John, Bindu Krishna, Mayor V.V. Rajesh and other prominent figures attended the closing ceremony.

Minister PC Vishnunath had earlier clarified the state government's stance of not encouraging singing the national song in its full form. However, the minister cited the risk of violating the protocol at a government function where the Vice President, who holds the constitutional post, is directly participating. He also pointed out that it is mandatory to sing Vande Mataram in its full form at official functions attended by the Vice President as per the rules passed by Parliament.

Earlier, there was a discussion about omitting the full version of Vande Mataram from Independence Day celebrations. However, based on the law passed by Parliament, the government clarified that when the Vice President participates, the full version of Vande Mataram will be sung in its full version.