Vande Mataram Required for All Government Events and Schools

The Government of India has issued new guidelines stating that all six stanzas of the national song, Vande Mataram, must be performed at government events and in schools. This directive aims to reinforce national pride and ensure proper respect for the song. The instructions were made public via the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website on February 6, but no formal press statement accompanied them.

According to the guidelines, whenever Vande Mataram is sung or played, attendees are to stand in silence as a sign of respect. However, exceptions are made for film screenings where standing could disrupt the viewing experience. The MHA clarified that Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, should be performed before the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during official events. This includes significant ceremonial occasions such as state functions attended by the President or Governors.

The guidelines require that when the national song is played by a band, it should be preceded by a roll of drums to signal its commencement. In addition, mass singing is encouraged during cultural events, with the MHA suggesting that choirs should be organised to perform the song, and adequate arrangements should be made for audiences to join in.

Schools have been explicitly instructed to begin each day with a communal singing of Vande Mataram. The MHA emphasised that promoting the song, along with the national anthem and respect for the national flag, is vital in educational settings. While no comprehensive list of occasions for the song's performance has been established, respect and decorum are to be maintained at all times according to the ministry.

The initiative appears to align with a broader trend of increasing nationalistic sentiments in various institutions across India. As the government pushes for patriotic displays, public responses have been mixed, with supporters advocating for the cultural significance of Vande Mataram while critics argue about the implications of enforced nationalism. Overall, the new guidelines signify a clear intent by the Indian government to embed Vande Mataram further into the fabric of national identity and civic life.