MHA guidelines on Vande Matram: All six stanzas of National Song to be sung before National Anthem when played together

The Union Home Ministry has directed that all six stanzas of the National Song Vande Mataram written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay should be sung first when the National Song and the National Anthem Jan Gana Man are to be played together.

With an instruction dated January 28, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued the first set of protocols for the singing of the National Song, enabling six stanzas lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds to be sung in official ceremonies such as the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the tricolor and the speeches of the Governors.

The instruction stated, “When the Independence Song and the Independence Anthem are sung or played, the Independence Song will be sung or played first.”

It was stated that the assembly where the National Song was sung would attract attention.

“The audience should stand at attention when the official version of the National Song is sung or played. However, when the National Song is played as part of the film during a newsreel or documentary, the audience is not expected to stand as it will disrupt the screening of the film and create turmoil and confusion instead of enhancing the reputation of the National Song,” the statement said.

Work at the school will begin with the playing of the National Song.

The center is celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram.

According to the decision, the official version of the National Song will be played accompanied by mass singing on occasions such as the unfurling of the National Flag, ceremonial events other than cultural events or parades, and the arrival of the President at any government or public event.

“An adequate public listening system should be available to allow gatherings in various indoor spaces to sing along with the choir; printed lyrics of the official version of the National Song may be distributed among participants as necessary,” the statement said.

Emir said that whenever the National Song is sung, the official version will be sung accompanied by mass singing.

“The National Song, although not strictly ceremonial, may be sung on occasions of importance due to the presence of Ministers etc. On such occasions the National Song should be sung [with or without the accompaniment of instruments] “It is desirable to accompany collective songs,” he said.

Still, the order said it was not possible to give a comprehensive list of situations in which singing occurred. [as distinct from playing] The official version of the National Song may be allowed to be released.

“However, there is no harm in singing the National Song accompanied by mass singing as long as it is done with due respect and proper decorum as a salute to the homeland,” the statement said.

Emir said that the day’s work in all schools can start with the collective singing of the National Song.

“School authorities should make adequate arrangements in their programs to popularize the singing of the Independence Song and the National Anthem among students and encourage respect for the State Flag.” he said.