NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JULY 11
Seeking to ensure absolute uniformity, dignity and constitutional decorum in the rendition of India’s two foremost national symbols, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all Central Government Ministries, Departments and Governors’ offices to strictly adhere to the prescribed script, text, diction and pronunciation while singing or playing the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, and the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, at official functions across the country.
- MHA directs all Central Government offices and Governors’ offices to strictly follow the prescribed script, text, diction and pronunciation during official renditions
- Fresh directive reiterates when the National Song and National Anthem must or may be sung, reinforcing uniformity, dignity and constitutional protocol
- Government clarifies sequence where State Song is performed: ‘Vande Mataram’ to precede ‘Jana Gana Mana’ at official functions
- Order comes as India commemorates the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’, reaffirming its enduring place in the nation’s democratic and cultural heritage
In a fresh directive issued on July 9, the Ministry reiterated the established protocols governing the occasions on which the National Song and the National Anthem shall or may be sung or played, while emphasising that every rendition must faithfully follow the officially approved version.
“It is to be noted that while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem, their correct script, text, diction and pronunciation should be followed strictly,” the MHA said in its order.
The Ministry stated that the official text and pronunciation guide for both the National Song and the National Anthem have been placed on its website to ensure consistency and accuracy during official ceremonies.
The directive provides an exhaustive list of occasions where the National Song and the National Anthem are mandatory and those where their performance is permissible under Government instructions.
Under the revised reiteration, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung during Civil Investiture Ceremonies, on the arrival and departure of the President at formal State functions and Government-organised events, and immediately before and after the President’s address to the nation on All India Radio and television.
The National Song will also be played during the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions within their respective States and Union Territories and whenever the National Flag is brought on parade.
The Ministry further clarified that the National Song may also be performed on any other occasion specifically authorised by the Government of India.
Clear protocol for States with State Songs
Addressing ceremonies where a State Song is also performed, the Ministry prescribed a uniform national protocol.
“Whenever the State Song is sung or played with the National Song or the National Anthem, both the National Song and the National Anthem shall be sung or played together. The National Song will be sung or played first, followed by the National Anthem,” the order states.
The clarification seeks to remove ambiguity and establish a standard sequence for official functions across all States and Union Territories.
Reaffirming earlier guidelines
The latest directive also refers to the Ministry’s detailed order issued on January 28, which for the first time comprehensively laid down the protocol governing the official rendition of the National Song.
Under those guidelines, the officially approved six-stanza version of ‘Vande Mataram’, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is prescribed for ceremonial occasions such as the President’s arrival, the unfurling of the National Flag and addresses delivered by Governors.
The earlier order had also stipulated:
“When the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, the National Song will be sung or played first.”
It further mandates that every person present shall stand at attention while the National Song is being sung as a mark of respect.
150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’
The directive assumes added significance as the Government commemorates the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’, the iconic composition that inspired generations during India’s freedom movement.
Recognising its emotional and historical significance, the Ministry observed that while it is impossible to prescribe every occasion on which the National Song may be sung, there is no objection to its performance—including mass singing—provided it is rendered with due respect and proper decorum.
“There is no objection to the singing of the National Song accompanied by mass singing so long as it is done with due respect as a salutation to the motherland and proper decorum is maintained,” the order states.
The Ministry also recalled the historic resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, which declared ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as the National Anthem of India while according ‘Vande Mataram’ equal honour and status in recognition of its inspirational role during the country’s freedom struggle.
The latest directive reinforces the Government’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, uniformity and constitutional dignity of India’s national symbols by ensuring that every official rendition reflects the respect and reverence they command.
