Former Babri Masjid litigant, Iqbal Ansari, expressed approval for the Union Home Ministry’s new guidelines requiring the singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions and in schools. Ansari emphasized the importance of the nation’s interest in this move and encouraged everyone to participate, stating that the song has been part of the educational curriculum from a young age. He highlighted the significance of unity in reciting ‘Vande Mataram’ and criticized those who oppose the initiative.
The guidelines specify that ‘Vande Mataram’ should be sung before the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ at events where both are performed. It is mandated that attendees stand during the rendition of the national song. However, this requirement does not extend to cinema halls during screenings. The government’s decision aims to eliminate any artificial distinctions within the song and treat it as a complete composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, similar to the national anthem’s protocol.
These regulations coincide with the Narendra Modi government’s commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and follow extensive parliamentary discussions on its usage.
