Hans News Service Bengaluru

Thegovernment has ordered that only the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ be sung at most state government programmes, instead of all six stanzas, amid a national debate over the rendition of the patriotic song.

The order follows the state Cabinet’s decision on the manner in which the song should be performed at official functions. The government has cited the need to maintain uniformity, dignity and appropriate protocol during various government programmes and ceremonies. According to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung at state government events, except programmes attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor.

The government noted that ‘Vande Mataram’ played an important role during India’s freedom movement in fostering nationalism, unity and patriotic sentiment among people.The order also refers to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the official version of the song and its performance at government and public functions. The guidelines distinguish between playing the song and mass singing, depending on the nature of an event.

The Karnataka decision comes amid discussions within political circles over whether the complete version or only selected stanzas should be performed at official functions. Congress leaders at the national level have referred to a 1937 resolution under which the first two stanzas were accepted for public rendition.