In a significant directive, the Union Home Ministry on Tuesday issued a rule mandating that Vande Mataram be played before the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, at all government functions and in educational institutions across the country.
The order makes it compulsory for all attendees to stand during the rendition of Vande Mataram. It further specifies that all six stanzas of the song must be played — including the four that were omitted in 1937.
All six stanzas to be rendered
Historically, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram have been commonly performed at official events. The new directive requires the complete version to be rendered at government programmes and in schools.
The Ministry clarified that the sequence will now be Vande Mataram followed by Jana Gana Mana, ensuring uniform practice nationwide.
Historical and constitutional context
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 19th century, holds a unique place in India’s freedom movement. It was adopted as the national song, while Jana Gana Mana, written by Rabindranath Tagore, remains the national anthem.
The decision is expected to spark discussions across political and educational circles, given the historical debates surrounding the complete rendition of the song.
Authorities have directed state governments and educational institutions to ensure strict compliance with the new rule