Bengaluru, 10 September (H.S.):

The Karnataka government has directed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung or played at State functions, introducing a uniform protocol for the rendition of the national song.

The full six-stanza version, however, will continue to be rendered at official events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor, according to the government order.

The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms issued the directive following a decision taken by the State Cabinet. The government said the new arrangement was intended to ensure consistency, dignity and adherence to appropriate protocol at public functions.

Under the order, the length of the rendition will depend on the nature of the programme and the constitutional dignitaries participating in it. At routine State functions, departments and organisers must restrict the song to its first two stanzas. The exception allowing all six stanzas applies only to events involving the specified office-holders.

The government noted that Vande Mataram occupied an important place in India's freedom movement and helped foster nationalism, unity and patriotism among the people. The order referred to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on the official version of the song and the procedure to be observed when it is sung or played at government and public programmes.

Officials said the State considered central guidelines before finalising the protocol. The order seeks to remove uncertainty among departments and institutions over which version should be used at different official events.

The decision is also consistent with the Congress party's position at the national level regarding the official rendition of Vande Mataram. Government departments are expected to follow the prescribed format at future functions.

The directive provides a standard framework for organisers while retaining the complete version for ceremonial occasions attended by the country's senior constitutional authorities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman