Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has expressed significant reservations regarding a new governmental directive that requires the full rendition of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at official functions. Tharoor warned that the measure, intended to foster greater respect, might instead achieve the opposite effect.
The amendment, which received presidential assent on July 30, mandates that the complete six-stanza version of Vande Mataram be sung at both the beginning and end of official events, in addition to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. This legislative change comes in the 150th anniversary year of Vande Mataram and aims to grant it a status on par with the National Anthem, making any insult a criminal offense.
Concerns Over Practicality and Public Engagement
While affirming his deep respect for both the National Anthem and National Song, Tharoor raised practical questions about the lengthy ceremonies this new rule would create. He highlighted that Jana Gana Mana requires audiences to stand respectfully for approximately 52 seconds. In contrast, the full Vande Mataram takes about 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
“Do we really expect audiences to stand still and respectfully for six minutes before and after every function, a total of 12 extra minutes? Can respect and patience be legislated?” Tharoor questioned, suggesting that such extended durations could test public patience rather than cultivate reverence.
Impact on State-Level Ceremonies
Tharoor also pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu have already decided to precede both the National Anthem and National Song with their respective state anthems, adding another two minutes to the ceremonial proceedings. This layering of songs further extends the duration, intensifying the practical challenges.
The Congress leader admitted that while he could sing the entire National Anthem, he only knew the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, noting that the full six stanzas had not been a requirement until now. He fears that the very intent of the bill, to promote greater respect for the National Song, will not be achieved, but its opposite may well be.
For the first time, the National Song is scheduled to be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, with the full version to be rendered before the National Anthem and flag unfurling.