The Central government has once again directed all states, Union Territories and central ministries to strictly follow the prescribed protocol for playing and singing the National Song Vande Mataram and the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana during official functions. According to a communication issued on July 9, Vande Mataram must always precede Jana Gana Mana whenever both are performed at the same event.

The fresh advisory reiterates existing rules under the national protocol and asks authorities to ensure uniform implementation across the country. It is the second such directive issued within five months, following a similar order circulated on January 28.

The Ministry stated that the sequence of performances has already been defined under existing guidelines and must be followed consistently. States that also have an officially recognised state song have been instructed to ensure that the national protocol remains unchanged.

Strict adherence to official version

The Centre has directed all state governments, Union Territories and ministries to ensure that both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed using their original lyrics, proper pronunciation and officially approved versions.

To facilitate uniform implementation, the government has uploaded the authorised versions of both compositions on the Ministry's official website for public access and institutional use.

January order reiterated

The latest communication follows an earlier directive issued on January 28, which introduced several guidelines regarding the performance of Vande Mataram in educational institutions and official programmes.

Under those instructions:

• Schools were advised to begin the day by playing Vande Mataram.

• People were required to stand respectfully during the National Song.

• All six stanzas of Vande Mataram, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, were recommended instead of limiting performances to only the first two stanzas.

• Cinema halls were kept outside the scope of the directive, meaning there is no requirement to play Vande Mataram before film screenings.

• Audiences are also not required to stand if the National Song forms part of a documentary or newsreel.

Historical significance

Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, and was later published in his novel Anandamath in 1882.

The song gained national prominence in 1896 when Rabindranath Tagore sang it during the Indian National Congress session. During India's freedom movement, Vande Mataram became one of the most powerful slogans of the struggle against British colonial rule.

The Sanskrit phrase translates to "I bow to thee, Mother," symbolising devotion to the motherland.

Featured in Republic Day celebrations

The National Song also featured prominently during the 77th Republic Day celebrations earlier this year. The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path adopted "Vande Mataram" as its central theme, while the Ministry of Culture showcased a tableau commemorating 150 years of the iconic composition. The tableau later received the award for the best entry among ministries and departments.

Political debate continues

The National Song has remained a subject of political debate in recent years. During Parliament's Winter Session last year, discussions marking its 150th anniversary saw sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Opposition.

The BJP accused previous Congress governments of diluting portions of the song, while Congress alleged that the issue was being raised for political reasons ahead of elections. The debate also included references to historical correspondence involving Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose regarding objections raised over certain portions of the song.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also referred to the issue during his address in the Lok Sabha, calling for greater respect towards Vande Mataram and its place in India's freedom movement.

With the latest directive, the Centre has reiterated that official programmes across the country must uniformly follow the prescribed sequence and protocol whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed.