Karnataka limits Vande Mataram to two stanzas at State functions
Karnataka has ordered that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at State functions, while the full song will be played at events involving top constitutional dignitaries.
The Karnataka government has issued an order directing that only the first two stanzas of the national song, Vande Mataram, be sung at State functions. The decision, taken by the Cabinet and notified by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, aligns the State with the position taken by the Congress at the national level.
The order carves out an exception for functions attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, where all six stanzas of the song will be played or sung.
In explaining its decision, the government noted the role Vande Mataram played in fostering nationalism, unity and patriotism during the country's freedom movement. It also referred to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which prescribe the official version of the song and the procedure to be followed when it is sung or played at government and public programmes.
The State government said it had weighed the need to preserve uniformity, dignity and appropriate protocol in the rendering of the song. Taking into account the nature and context of its various programmes and functions, it concluded that only two stanzas should be rendered at State events.