6 Stanzas of National Song Made A Must

In an order dated January 28, the ministry laid down protocols for rendition of the National Song, stating that the six stanzas, which take about three minutes and 10 seconds to sing, shall precede the National Anthem on such occasions.

The directive comes as the Centre observes the 150th year of Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. A resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, had declared Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and stated that Vande Mataram, which played a historic role in the freedom movement, would be honoured equally and have equal status.

“When the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, the National Song will be sung or played first,” the order said. It added that the assembly shall stand to attention when the National Song is sung.

The ministry clarified that when the official version of the National Song is sung or played, the audience must stand to attention. However, if it forms part of a newsreel or documentary film, the audience is not expected to stand, as it may disrupt the exhibition.

The order stated that the official version of the National Song shall be played with mass singing on occasions such as unfurling of the National Flag, cultural and ceremonial functions other than parades, and on the arrival of the President at government or public events.

It directed that adequate public address systems be arranged to enable the gathering to sing in unison and that printed lyrics may be circulated where required. On all such occasions, the official version shall be recited with mass singing.

The ministry also said the National Song may be sung at significant functions attended by ministers and other dignitaries, provided it is rendered with due respect and decorum.

In schools, the day’s work may begin with community singing of the National Song. School authorities have been advised to make provision for popularising the singing of the National Song and National Anthem and promoting respect for the National Flag among students.