Bengaluru, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Karnataka government‘s recent decision to alter the protocol for singing the national song ‘Vande Mataram‘ has ignited a political controversy. Under the new guidelines, only the first two verses of the song will be sung at state government events. However, full rendition will still be required during events attended by the President, Prime Minister, or Governor.
This directive was issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) on Thursday. The government emphasized that the change aims to maintain uniformity, respect, and proper protocol when performing ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions. The order stated, “The state government believes it is essential to maintain uniformity, respect, and proper protocol in the playing/singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram.'”
The government also highlighted the song’s significant role in promoting nationalism, unity, and patriotism during India’s freedom struggle. The order referenced guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding the official version of ‘Vande Mataram’ and its performance at various government and public events.
The decision comes amid ongoing political debates surrounding the singing of ‘Vande Mataram.’ The original song consists of six verses, but typically only the first two are performed at official and public events.
Earlier this year, the central government mandated the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at public gatherings and government functions, proposing a bill in Parliament to criminalize any obstruction to its performance.
Karnataka’s decision to limit the song to two verses for most state events, while requiring the full version in the presence of the nation’s highest constitutional officials, may draw criticism from opposition parties and further fuel political discussions about the song’s protocol.
The Congress party has defended its stance on ‘Vande Mataram,’ arguing that their position aligns with a decision made in 1937 by the party’s top leadership, which included notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Patel.
The Congress asserts that the 1937 resolution was made in the context of the national movement, and they reference it to clarify their position on which parts of ‘Vande Mataram’ should be sung.
As a result, Karnataka’s recent order is expected to intensify the ongoing political discourse surrounding the national song, especially given the state’s distinction between regular official events and those attended by the country’s highest officials.
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