The patriotic song “Vande Mataram” is once again in the news. The central government has issued new guidelines for the song. Its full six-stanza version will now be played at government events, school functions, and official platforms.
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“Vande Mataram,” deeply rooted in the nation’s national spirit, will no longer be merely a formal song but a mandatory part of every government function. The Home Ministry has issued clear instructions that the full version of “Vande Mataram” will now be played at government events, government school functions, and other formal occasions.
Until now, the first two verses were typically sung, but according to the new guidelines, only the full version, consisting of six paragraphs and lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds, will be played.
What will change now?
Several important changes have been made under the new guidelines:
- “Vande Mataram” is mandatory at government events.
- The full 3:10-minute version of the six verses will be played.
- Everyone must stand during the song.
- If the national anthem and the national song are played together, Vande Mataram should be played first.
- The purpose of this is to convey national respect and unity.
When will Vande Mataram be played?
The government has clarified that playing Vande Mataram will be mandatory on the following occasions:
| Opportunity | Necessity |
| After hoisting the tricolor | Mandatory |
| Before and after the President’s arrival/speech | Mandatory |
| Before and after the arrival/address of the Governor | Mandatory |
| major government functions | Mandatory |
| government school programs | Mandatory |
This means it will no longer be limited to national festivals, but will become a permanent part of government events.
What’s special about the six verses?
The original song of Vande Mataram consists of six paragraphs. It describes the motherland as a goddess. Three Hindu goddesses, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, are also mentioned. This is why, after independence, only the first two verses were approved for public events. Now, the requirement to play the full version has brought the song back into focus.
A Glimpse of History
“Vande Mataram” was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875.
It was published in his novel “Anandamath” in 1882.
Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time on a public stage at the Indian National Congress session in 1896. At that time, it became the voice of the freedom movement.
‘Vande Mataram’ means ‘O Mother, I bow to you’. This slogan became the energy of the revolutionaries in the freedom struggle.
Why did the controversy arise in Parliament?
Last year, when Vande Mataram completed 150 years, a special discussion was held on it in the winter session of Parliament. The debate was so heated that it led to uproar in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Congress alleged that it was being made a political issue, especially considering the election atmosphere.
Vande Mataram and the National Anthem: Which will come first?
According to the new guidelines, if both ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are played at an event, Vande Mataram will come first. Furthermore, everyone must stand in attention while listening to or singing it. This rule was introduced to ensure both respect and discipline.
What does this mean for ordinary citizens?
For ordinary people, this means that this rule will now have to be followed at events held in government schools, colleges, and offices. Detailed guidelines on what action will be taken for violating this rule have not yet been released, but it is clear that it will be viewed as a matter of national honor.
Conclusion
Vande Mataram, in its new form, is now set to become an integral part of government events. The full version of six verses, mandatory standing, and established protocols all indicate that the government intends to give the national anthem a formal and powerful place.
