Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has directed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram be sung at government programmes and official functions in the state, with an exception for events attended by the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor.
The decision follows a recent state Cabinet discussion on the playing and singing of Vande Mataram at government functions.
Under the new directive, the first two stanzas will be performed at regular state government events. However, the order will not apply to programmes attended by the President of India, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor.
The move comes months after the Union Home Ministry issued guidelines on the rendition of Vande Mataram. In January, the ministry directed that all six stanzas of the song should be sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, when both are performed together.
The Centre’s directive was issued as part of events marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
