Vande Mataram new protocol:  The Union Home Ministry has released a fresh set of guidelines regarding the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. Under the new directions, the complete six-verse version of the song, lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds, will now be compulsory at several official programmes. According to a Hindustan Times report, the 10-page order was issued on January 28 and has already been sent to all states, Union Territories, ministries, and constitutional institutions.

Vande Mataram to be played at key official moments

As per the new rules, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be played or sung during important national occasions. These include the time when the national flag is hoisted, the arrival and departure of the President at any event, just before and after the President’s address to the nation, and also during the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors, along with before and after their speeches.

If both ‘Vande Mataram’ and the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are presented at the same function, the national song will be played first, followed by the national anthem. People present must stand in attention during the song as a mark of respect.

Vande Mataram standing rule made compulsory

The ministry has clearly stated that when the official version of ‘Vande Mataram’ is played or sung, everyone present must stand in respect. However, if the song is played as part of a newsreel, documentary, or film, viewers will not be required to stand so that the programme is not disturbed.

Earlier, there was no clear official protocol for ‘Vande Mataram’, while the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ already had fixed rules related to its presentation. This is the first time that the extended six-verse version has been formally included in official ceremonies.

Vande Mataram events divided into three categories

The ministry has divided programmes into three categories based on how ‘Vande Mataram’ will be presented.

In the first category, the song will only be played. These include civilian award ceremonies, the President’s arrival and departure at state functions, broadcasts on All India Radio and Doordarshan before and after the President’s address to the nation, the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal events, and the time when the national flag is brought in during parades.

In the second category, the song will be played along with group singing. These include flag-hoisting events, cultural and formal programmes (except parades), and the President’s arrival and departure at government or public events. The guidelines suggest arranging a choir, sound system, and distributing printed lyrics if needed.

In the third category, the song can be sung voluntarily, especially in schools. The order mentions that schools may begin the day with the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ to build respect for national symbols among students.

Vande Mataram new rules and key highlights

Several new rules have been introduced under this protocol. The full six-verse version lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds will now be used at official functions. The song must be played before the national anthem if both are included in a programme. People must stand in attention when the official version is played or sung. Clear arrangements like choir support, sound systems, and printed lyrics are also recommended for smooth presentation.

Vande Mataram government focus on promotion

This move comes at a time when the central government is making efforts to promote ‘Vande Mataram’. Recently, Parliament held a detailed discussion to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song. The theme of this year’s Republic Day parade was also ‘स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम्’.

The song was written by Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s. In 1950, the first two verses were declared as India’s national song. During last year’s discussion in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that changes made to the original version had reduced its importance and even connected it to the country’s partition.

With this new order, the government has set a clear and formal system for the presentation, respect, and use of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official programmes across the country.