Vande Mataram: Earlier this month, a high-level government meeting was held to ascertain and debate if the National Song of India (Vande Mataram) could be provided the same levels of respect and aura as the National Anthem of India (Jana Gana Mana).
Officials discussed when the national song should be sung, how it should be sung, whether there could be any penalty or punishment for the insult of National Song of the country under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Asaduddin Owaisi and Rahul Gandhi don’t appreciate Vande Mataram being made a compulsory “test of love for the country.” In his Lok Sabha speech, Owaisi had remarked that patriotism of citizens cannot be certified or coerced. The AIMIM Chief remarked references to “Bharat Mata” as a goddess violate the right to freedom of conscience and the principle of secularism.
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Rahul Gandhi’s party don’t appreciate the ruling government’s decision to treat the national song of India to be made on par with the national anthem.
National Song And National Anthem
In 2022, the Supreme Court of India was told by the Union Government that the National Song of the country did not command the same respect and aura as the National Anthem of India. It was also stated by the government that there were no provisions or instructions on how the national song could be played or sung.
India’s National Anthem enjoys clear statutory and constitutional protection. Under Article 51A (a) of the Constitution, citizens are fundamentally bound to respect the national anthem of the country. Its use and singings are governed by Ministry of Home Affairs’ detailed executive orders.
Vande Mataram, which was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has long stood out as a rallying cry during the country’s Swadeshi movement.
Did Jawaharlal Nehru Banned Vande Mataram?
India’s first Prime Ministern Jawahar Lal Nehru opposed Vande Mataram as the National Anthem of India. Interestingly, Nehru felt that the tune of Jana Gana Mana worked better with playful bands, used simpler language and had a clearer sense of fulfillment and triumph. A Constituent Assembly resolution (24 January 1950) made Vande Mataram the National Song and Jana Gana Mana became the National Anthem. Many in the political circles believed and still believe that Nehru purposefully engaged in “betrayal” or “appeasement” of Vande Mataram.
