The Union Home Ministry (MHA) said that the correct words, pronunciation and manner of speaking should be strictly followed while playing or singing the national anthem. In a new order sent to all central government and governor offices, the ministry has reiterated the rules related to playing and singing of the national anthem.
The MHA said its orders provide a complete list of occasions on which the national song and anthem of India ‘must be played or sung’ and also specify the occasions on which it ‘may be sung or played’.
The order of July 9 states that the national anthem will be sung on these occasions. At civil honor ceremonies, at the time of the President’s arrival and departure at formal government functions and other functions organized by the Government, and immediately before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio (AIR) and television.
It will also be played during the arrival and departure of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor (LG) at formal government functions in their state and union territory (UT), and when the national flag is brought out in parades.
The order said, ‘Note that while singing or playing the national song and anthem, their correct words and pronunciation should be strictly followed’. The ministry has provided the correct words and pronunciation guide on its website. It states that the national anthem will also be played on any other occasion for which special orders may be issued by the Government of India.
It says, in some states, the state anthem is also sung and played along with the national anthem. It is stated that whenever the State Song is sung or played along with the National Song/Anthem, both the National Song and the National Anthem should be sung or played together and the National Song shall be sung or played first and then the National Anthem.
In an order dated January 28, the Home Ministry had issued the first set of protocols for singing the national anthem, directing that its six verses would be sung at official events such as the arrival of the President, hoisting of the tricolor and speeches of governors, with a duration of 3 minutes 10 seconds.
The order said, when the national anthem and national anthem are sung or played, the national anthem will be sung or played first. It said that in the meeting where the national anthem is sung, everyone will stand at attention.
The Central Government is celebrating the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’. It said, it is not possible to give a complete list of occasions on which singing (other than playing) the official version of the national anthem may be permitted. But if the national anthem is sung collectively with proper decorum in respect of the motherland, then there is no objection in it.
In a resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950, it was decided that the composition with words and music known as ‘Jana Gana Mana’ shall be the national anthem of India, provided that the Government may from time to time alter its words as may be necessary. Regarding the song ‘Vande Mataram’, which played a historical role in India’s freedom struggle, it was decided that it would be given equal respect and status as ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
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