We Will Have To Stand Even During ‘Vande Mataram
Like ‘Jana Gana Mana’, We Will Have To Stand Even During ‘Vande Mataram’ : The central government is planning to formulate a formal protocol to give the national song Vande Mataram the same dignity and respect as the national anthem Jan Gana Mana. According to a report, the issue was discussed in detail in a high-level meeting convened by the Home Ministry earlier this month. According to the Constitution of India, both the national anthem and the national song are given equal respect, but there is a key difference between the two in terms of legal and mandatory protocol.
Standing during the singing of the national anthem is mandatory, and insulting it is punishable under the National Insults Act, 1971. However, there is no legal requirement or written rule to stand or take a specific seat during the singing of the national anthem, “Vande Mataram”.
According to a national media report, a meeting of the Home Ministry discussed the issue. The meeting discussed the rules and regulations for singing the national anthem, including the manner of respect. The meeting discussed whether clear rules should be laid down for the time, place and manner of singing Bande Mataram? Should it be mandatory to stand during the singing of the national anthem? Should those who disrespect the national anthem be fined or punished?
The move comes as the government celebrates Vande Mataram throughout the year. The BJP and Congress are accused of playing politics of appeasement and downplaying the importance of the national anthem.
What is the root of the dispute?
During the 1937 Congress session, some verses of Vande Mataram were removed. The BJP alleged that this policy laid the foundation for division, while the Congress said that the BJP was distorting history and stirring up the issue in view of the upcoming West Bengal elections. In the past few years, several petitions have been filed in the courts to give Vande Mataram the same status as the national anthem. In 2022, the Union government told the Supreme Court that no such penal code or directive has been issued for the national anthem so far. “Vande Mataram”, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, emerged as one of the most prominent slogans of independence during the Swadeshi Movement (1905-08). Now, the government is trying to restore it to its former glory.
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