MHA mandates standing for six-stanza song at events

New Delhi: Citizens attending official functions must now stand at attention whenever the National Song, Vande Mataram, is sung or played. The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has released a fresh set of guidelines detailing proper decorum and protocols for the iconic song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

According to the new directive, the full official version of the song—comprising all six stanzas and lasting approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds—will now be a staple at various government ceremonies. This includes the four stanzas that were historically omitted by the Congress in 1937.

Key Changes in Protocol

One of the most significant updates in the Vande Mataram new guidelines concerns the sequence of performance. The ministry has clarified that when both the National Song and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) are part of an event's schedule, Vande Mataram must be sung first.

The MHA has mandated that the song be played at prestigious civilian investiture ceremonies, such as the Padma Awards. It will also be a fixture at all official events attended by the President of India, specifically played upon the President's arrival and departure, as well as before and after national addresses.

While standing is mandatory to show respect, the government has carved out a specific exception. Audiences inside cinema halls are not expected to stand if the song is played as part of a newsreel or documentary, preventing unnecessary disruption in that specific setting.

Focus on Schools and Mass Participation

The guidelines also place a responsibility on educational institutions. Schools across the country are directed to actively promote the singing of both the National Song and the National Anthem in their daily programs. The aim is to instill a deeper respect for the National Flag and these patriotic symbols among students.

This move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent initiative to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram. To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister launched a year-long celebration, releasing a commemorative coin and stamp to honor the song's legacy. This renewed focus comes after heated debates in the Winter Session of Parliament regarding the song's status and usage.
​​​​​​​Source: Public Domain and Image Source - Awaz The Voice