The Union Home Ministry has stated that a six-stanza, 3 minutes and 10 seconds version of 'Vande Mataram' must be played or sung at various official events. This includes occasions such as the unfurling of the Tricolour, the President's arrival at events and before and after her speeches to the nation. It also applies to the arrival and speeches of governors.
In a 10-page order issued on January 28, the Ministry noted that if 'Vande Mataram' is sung or played alongside the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', 'Vande Mataram' will go first, Hindustan Times reported. The audience is required to stand in attention during the singing or playing.
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The 'Vande Mataram' song will last 190 seconds under the new rules. This duration includes the official six-stanza version and the four stanzas that were removed in 1937.
What do the rules say?
"Whenever the official version of the national song is sung, or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, when in the course of a newsreel or documentary the national song is played as a part of the film, it is not expected of the audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt the exhibition of the film and would create disorder and confusion rather than add to the dignity of the national song," said the note, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
It was issued in English and Hindi to all states and Union territories, ministries and constitutional bodies. The Ministry note also includes a list of events and locations where the song can be played, including school assemblies.
"The following instructions are being issued for general information and guidance on the official version of the national song, the occasions on which the song is to be played or sung, and about the need for paying respect to the national song by observance of proper decorum on such occasions," Hindustan Times quoted the order as saying.
No official protocol until now
The move seems to align with the Union government's recent effort to promote 'Vande Mataram'. This included a heated debate in the Parliament to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the national song and several displays during the Republic Day parade focused on the song.
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Written by Bengali literary figure Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskritised Bengali in the 1870s, the song was first adopted by the freedom movement to honour the motherland. In 1950, the first two stanzas were designated as India's national song.
Until now, there was no official protocol for singing 'Vande Mataram'. This is different from 'Jana Gana Mana', which has clear rules about the tune, duration and performance of the song. The longer six-stanza version of 'Vande Mataram' has not been sung at official events so far.
