Karnataka Restricts Vande Mataram to Two Stanzas at State Functions

The Karnataka government has issued an order stating that only the first two stanzas of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ should be sung at State government functions. The order follows a decision taken by the Karnataka Cabinet and brings the State’s protocol for the national song in line with the position adopted by the Congress party at the national level.

The directive was issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. It specifies that the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be used during State functions conducted under the prescribed government protocol. The move sets out a specific format for the performance of the national song at official events organised by the Karnataka government.

However, the order makes an exception for functions attended by the country’s highest constitutional authorities. At events involving the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ will be played or sung, according to the government directive.

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The distinction means that the length of the national song’s performance at official events will depend on the nature of the function and the dignitaries attending it. While regular State functions will be limited to the first two stanzas, events involving any of the four specified constitutional authorities will feature the complete six-stanza version.

The decision comes amid a broader political discussion over the rendition and use of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official and public functions. The Karnataka government’s position mirrors the Congress party’s approach at the national level, according to the report. The Cabinet decision has now been formally reflected in the administrative order issued by the State government.

The directive provides government departments and officials with clear instructions on which version of the national song should be used at different State functions. It also establishes the circumstances under which the complete six stanzas are to be performed, ensuring that events involving the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor follow the separate protocol specified in the order.

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