New rules for singing National Anthem; Guidelines issued by home ministry
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', the singing and playing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' has now been made mandatory at government functions. In this regard, the Union Home Ministry has issued a comprehensive order that clarifies the guidelines for singing and playing the national anthem.
On January 28, the ministry issued a 10-page order that makes it clear that if the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" and the national song "Vande Mataram" are to be sung or played together at any event, "Vande Mataram" will be played first. Furthermore, the audience will be required to stand in attention as a mark of respect.
A 3.10-minute version of "Vande Mataram" with six stanzas will now be played or sung on various official occasions, per new instructions from the Home Ministry. The tricolor hoisting ceremonies and government functions make up the majority of these occasions. In addition, the song will have to be played when the President and Governors arrive at official events, prior to their speeches, and both before and after their addresses to the nation.
In both English and Hindi, this instruction has been sent to all states, union territories, ministries, and constitutional bodies. The Ministry, in its order, has also provided exemptions for certain circumstances, keeping practicality in mind. According to the order, audiences are required to stand at attention whenever the official version of the national anthem is sung or played. However, if the national anthem is played as part of a film, newsreel, or documentary, audiences will not be expected to stand. Standing during such times, according to the Ministry, could cause chaos and confusion instead of enhancing the national anthem's dignity and disrupt the screening.
The fact that there was previously no written official protocol for singing "Vande Mataram" whereas the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" already had a specific tune, time limit, and rules is the most significant aspect of this order. The extended version of the song, which has six stanzas, is now part of official events for the first time under clear guidelines.
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