The Union Home Ministry has issued a directive establishing protocols for the singing of “Vande Mataram,” the national song of India, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The order, dated January 28, stipulates that all six stanzas of the song – totaling 3 minutes and 10 seconds in duration – will be sung before the national anthem, “Jan Gana Man,” at official events.
According to the directive, the song should be sung at events including the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the national flag, and speeches delivered by Governors. The order specifies that when both songs are played, “National Song will be sung or played first.”
The directive also outlines expectations for audience conduct. Attendees are expected to stand in attention when the official version of the song is sung or played, with an exception made for instances where it appears as part of a newsreel or documentary, to avoid disruption.
The order extends to educational institutions, mandating that the school day begin with the playing of the National Song. School authorities are encouraged to actively promote the singing of both the National Song and the National Anthem, as well as respect for the National Flag.
While the directive does not provide an exhaustive list of appropriate occasions, it states that singing the song accompanied by mass singing is permissible as long as it is done with “due respect as a salutation to the motherland and proper decorum is maintained.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will “Vande Mataram” be sung in relation to the national anthem?
According to the order, “Vande Mataram” will be sung or played first when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together.
On what types of occasions should “Vande Mataram” be sung?
The order specifies events such as the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the National Flag, and speeches by Governors. It also allows for the song to be sung on occasions with significance due to the presence of Ministers.
What is expected of the audience during the singing of “Vande Mataram”?
The audience is expected to stand in attention whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played, except when it is part of a film.
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