Tharoor questions mandatory Vande Mataram at events:Calls repeated rendition burdensome; Cong leader says consensus-based solution is needed

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over the mandatory playing or singing of the full version of the national song Vande Mataram at the beginning and end of government functions, describing the practice as unnecessary and inconvenient for attendees. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, Tharoor said that while he fully respects Vande Mataram as India’s national song, requiring people to stand through its complete rendition multiple times during an event could be burdensome. “Vande Mataram is our national song, and whenever it is sung, we stand in respect. Most people are familiar with the first one or two stanzas, which have traditionally been sung at public events,” Tharoor said. He noted that the long-standing convention has been to sing Vande Mataram once at the beginning of a programme, while the national anthem is played separately at the conclusion. Referring to a recent event in New Delhi attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Tharoor said the full version of the song was played both at the start and end of the programme. According to him, the lengthy duration made it difficult for attendees who had to stand twice. “There is no parliamentary law making this mandatory. Any solution should emerge through mutual consensus,” he said, adding that he has no objection to the national song itself. Debate over new guidelines The remarks come amid discussions over new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the use of Vande Mataram at government functions, educational institutions, and other formal events. According to the guidelines, attendees are expected to stand while the national song is played. The revised format reportedly includes all stanzas of the song, extending its duration to approximately three minutes and ten seconds. Traditionally, only the first two stanzas have been sung at public events. Kerala’s government has maintained that singing the complete version remains optional, while differing views have reportedly emerged from Raj Bhavan. Historical significance of Vande Mataram Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, and was later included in his 1882 novel Anandamath. The song gained national prominence during India’s freedom movement and became a rallying cry for independence activists. In 1896, Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at a session of the Indian National Congress, marking its first major public performance at a national gathering. The phrase “Vande Mataram” is derived from Sanskrit and translates to “I bow to thee, Mother.” Over the decades, it has remained one of the most significant patriotic symbols in India’s national consciousness.