Government’s big order on national anthem and national song: Now it is okay if you break the rules

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India has taken a very strict and important step regarding the respect for the national symbols of the country and the protocols related to them. The ministry has issued new and stringent guidelines to all state governments, union territories and all central government departments. If you are also associated with any program or event, then it is very important for you to know these rules, because now strict action can be taken if the protocol is broken.

What are the new instructions and how will they be followed?

In this new order issued by the Home Ministry, it has been made clear that the protocol related to singing and playing ‘Jana Gana Mana’ (national anthem) and ‘Vande Mataram’ (national song) should be followed with respect at all costs. The complete list of rules has been reminded again in this official letter sent on July 9. It clearly states on which special occasions the national anthem and national songs are mandatory and where they can be kept as optional.

Vande Mataram or Jana Gana Mana: Which to sing first?

The most important clarification given by the Ministry is that whenever both are presented together in a program, special care has to be taken of the order. According to the order, “In any case, the national song (Vande Mataram) will be sung or played first. It will be immediately followed by the playing of the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana).”

For states that have their own official ‘state song’, the confusion has also been completely removed. The Ministry has clearly stated that whatever may be the order in which the State Anthem is sung, the order of the National Song and National Anthem will remain the same – first Vande Mataram and then Jana Gana Mana.

Even the slightest mistake in pronunciation and rhythm will cost you dearly.

The Home Ministry has laid emphasis not only on the sequence but also on the quality of singing of the national anthem and national song. The ministry has warned that while singing, the correct text, rhythm and pronunciation of the words should be absolutely precise. Any kind of negligence will not be tolerated.

For your convenience, the Ministry has also uploaded the exact text and pronunciation of both the songs on its official website. All states and departments have been instructed to convey these rules to the schools, colleges and private organizations under their control, so that these symbols of the nation are not insulted and they are followed with respect.