In a landmark move, the Union Home Ministry has issued fresh guidelines mandating that all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung or played at designated government functions and in schools across India. This decision marks a significant departure from the decades-old practice of performing only the first two stanzas of the national song.

Key Protocol Changes According to the new rules, whenever both the national song and the national anthem are performed at the same event, ‘Vande Mataram’ must precede ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ All attendees are required to stand at attention during its rendition. However, the ministry clarified that this mandate does not apply to cinema halls when the song is played as part of a film.

Correcting a “Historical Wrong” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the previous exclusion of the four stanzas as a historical compromise. The original decision to truncate the song was made by the Congress Working Committee in 1937 following concerns regarding the religious imagery in the later verses. The current government argues that the song should be respected as a single, complete composition as written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Why the Timing Matters The guidelines coincide with the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram.’ During a parliamentary debate in 2025, PM Modi stated, “Vande Mataram was divided first, and then the country was divided.” By codifying the protocol, the government aims to end the ambiguity and bring the national song’s ceremonial framework closer to that of the national anthem.

Where it will be Mandatory:

• State and Central Government functions.
• Civil award ceremonies (e.g., Padma Awards).
• Events attended by the President and Governors.
• School assemblies and educational programs.