Vande Mataram first, Jana Gana Mana second, reiterates Centre
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated that the National Song 'Vande Mataram' must be played before the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' at official events. The directive emphasizes strict compliance with the order of performance and correct pronunciation.
Why it matters
This directive reinforces nationalistic protocols and the government's stance on the status of national symbols.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the States and Central Ministries to “strictly comply” with its directive that National Song Vande Mataram be played before Jana Gana Mana , the National Anthem, whenever both are performed at official events.
In a July 9 letter to the Chief Secretaries of States and the Secretaries to Union Ministries, Joint Secretary Arvind Khare stated that the “Orders relating to National Song specifies that — when the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, National Song will be sung or played first.”
The letter noted that while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem, “their correct script/text and diction/pronunciations should be followed strictly”.
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