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The Centre has directed all Central government departments and Governors’ offices to strictly follow the prescribed script, text, diction and pronunciation while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem at official functions.
In fresh instructions issued on July 9, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reiterated the existing protocol governing when the National Song and the National Anthem must or may be performed. It also reminded authorities that both should always be rendered accurately and with due respect.
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MHA reiterates occasions for National Song, National Anthem
According to the Ministry, the order lists the occasions on which the National Song and the National Anthem “shall be played or sung” and those on which they “may be sung or played.”
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The National Song is to be sung during civil investiture ceremonies, on the arrival of the President at formal State functions and other government-organised events, and again when the President departs from such functions.
It is also to be sung immediately before and after the President’s address to the nation broadcast through All India Radio (AIR) and television.
The order further states that the National Song shall be played on the arrival and departure of Governors or Lieutenant Governors at formal State functions in their respective States or Union Territories. It will also be played when the National Flag is brought on parade.
“It is to be noted that while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem, their correct script/text and diction/pronunciations should be followed strictly,” the order said.
The Ministry added that the authorised text and pronunciation guide for both the National Song and the National Anthem are available on its official website.
The order also said the National Song may be performed on any other occasion if specifically directed by the Government of India.
Protocol for States with a State Song
The Ministry also clarified the procedure for States where a State Song is performed alongside the National Song and the National Anthem.
“In some of the States, State Song is also sung and played along with National Anthem/National Song. It is stated that whenever State Song is sung or played with National Song/National Anthem, both the National Song and National Anthem shall be sung or played together; and National Song will be sung or played first, followed by National Anthem,” the order said.
Earlier guidelines remain in force
The MHA referred to its January 28 order that laid down detailed protocols for the National Song.
Under those guidelines, the official six-stanza version of the National Song, which lasts about three minutes and ten seconds, is to be sung at official ceremonies, including the arrival of the President, the unfurling of the National Flag and speeches delivered by Governors.
“When the National Song and the National Anthem are sung or played, National Song will be sung or played first,” the earlier order stated.
It also specifies that everyone present at an event where the National Song is sung must stand in attention as a mark of respect.
The Centre, which is observing the 150th year of Vande Mataram, said it is not possible to prepare an exhaustive list of occasions when the National Song may be sung. However, it said there is no objection to its performance, including mass singing, as long as it is rendered with due respect and proper decorum.
“It is not possible to give an exhaustive list of occasions on which the singing (as distinct from playing) of the official version of the National Song can be permitted. But 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 said.
The Ministry also recalled the Constituent Assembly’s resolution of January 24, 1950, under which Jana Gana Mana was adopted as India’s National Anthem, subject to alterations authorised by the government whenever required.
It noted that Vande Mataram, which played a significant role in the freedom movement, was accorded equal honour and status alongside Jana Gana Mana by the Constituent Assembly.
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