Gurgaon: Days after the directorate of education made it compulsory to sing the state song at all govt schools once a week, the union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has mandated that the National Song, Vande Mataram, should be sung first at govt, public and educational events, followed by the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.While issuing the order, deputy commissioner Uttam Singh said singing of state songs should not disrupt the sequence fixed by MHA and asked all organisers to ensure strict compliance across the district.Standing at attention has also been made compulsory during both renditions to maintain dignity, proper pronunciation, and national unity.The order brings together various instructions issued over the years into a single directive to ensure uniformity in the observance of national symbols and eliminate ambiguity over the sequence and protocol at official functions.According to the guidelines, only the authorised text and approved rendition of both Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana should be used, with institutions advised to avoid any unauthorised versions or alterations. The official text and pronunciation have been made available by the ministry.The latest order, however, is largely a consolidation of existing instructions rather than a fresh legal mandate. Similar directions on the sequence of the National Song and the National Anthem had been issued earlier this year, with the ministry now compiling them into a single reference document for easier implementation.The directive comes against the backdrop of a decades-old debate over Vande Mataram. While it is considered to be the National Song and is widely regarded as a symbol of India’s freedom movement, some Muslim organisations and scholars have objected to singing certain portions of it, arguing that verses depicting the nation as a goddess are inconsistent with Islamic monotheistic beliefs. The controversy has periodically resurfaced over attempts by govts and educational institutions to make its rendition compulsory.District authorities said all govt offices, educational institutions and organisers of official events have been asked to follow the consolidated protocol issued by MHA.
