Vande Mataram made mandatory at government functions and schools

NEW DELHI: The Centre has made it mandatory to sing the national song 'Vande Mataram', written by Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, at government public functions and school assemblies. At events where the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” is sung, Vande Mataram must be sung first, followed by the national anthem. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken this decision to give Vande Mataram a status equal to the national anthem.

People must stand as a mark of respect while Vande Mataram is being sung. However, it is not necessary to stand if it is played in cinema halls or similar places.

All six verses of the song must be sung at official functions. In 1937, the Congress had dropped four verses following objections from some Muslim leaders, as the song contains references to Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi.

Vande Mataram must be sung at events such as the national flag hoisting ceremony, Padma awards distribution, and functions attended by the President, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor. It must also be sung at the beginning and end of the President’s address broadcast on radio and television. While it is not compulsory at events attended by ministers, the song may be included. State governments have been directed to take steps to implement the order. Schools must also conduct awareness programmes to promote respect for the national song, national anthem, and national flag.

Action comes ahead of Bengal Assembly elections
The move comes after the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram, which was written in 1875. The decision also holds political significance as it comes ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee included Vande Mataram in his famous Bengali novel Anandamath. The song praises Mother India. It was first sung at the 1896 Congress session by Rabindranath Tagore and later became a source of inspiration for freedom fighters during the struggle against British rule. On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly officially adopted Vande Mataram as the national song.

Duration of three minutes and ten seconds
The official order also specifies the tune and duration of the song, which is three minutes and ten seconds. This is the first time a formal government order has been issued regarding the singing of Vande Mataram. The government has also decided to amend the law related to national honours to prevent any disrespect towards the national song.