The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all state governments, Union Territory administrations and Central ministries to strictly follow the official protocol requiring Vande Mataram to be played or sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, whenever both are performed at government functions.
In a letter dated July 9, Joint Secretary Arvind Khare instructed Chief Secretaries of states and Secretaries of Central ministries to ensure that all institutions under their jurisdiction comply with the existing guidelines on the use of the National Song and National Anthem.
The ministry said the order was issued to ensure uniform implementation of the prescribed protocol across official events.
Correct Order and Pronunciation Must Be Followed
According to the MHA, whenever both songs are performed, Vande Mataram must be sung or played first, followed by Jana Gana Mana. The ministry also stressed that the official script, text and pronunciation of both songs should be followed accurately.
The communication reminded authorities that if a state or Union Territory has its own official state song, the order should be the state song first, followed by Vande Mataram, and then Jana Gana Mana.
The ministry attached earlier government orders detailing the occasions on which the National Song and National Anthem should be performed at the beginning, end or both beginning and end of official ceremonies.
Full Six-Stanza Version of Vande Mataram for Major Functions
The MHA also referred to its earlier directions issued in February, which designated the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, lasting around three minutes and ten seconds, as the standard version for important official events.
According to the guidelines, the full version should be used during occasions such as civil investiture ceremonies, the arrival and departure of the President and Governors at formal events, before and after the President’s address on All India Radio and television, and when the National Flag is brought on parade. The government may also direct its use at other official events.
The ministry reiterated that everyone present must stand in attention and maintain silence and respect while the National Song and National Anthem are being performed.
Centre Seeks Uniform Compliance
The MHA has asked all state governments and Central ministries to circulate the instructions among government institutions, event organisers, bands, choirs and other authorities to ensure that official versions are used consistently.
The ministry said proper pronunciation and adherence to the prescribed order are important to preserve the dignity and significance of India’s national symbols.
Background
Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in his novel Anandamath in the 1880s, was adopted as India’s National Song. The first two stanzas have traditionally been used at public functions.
Jana Gana Mana, written by Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted as India’s National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
The Centre has also approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, proposing to make insulting or obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
