Few songs carry the emotional weight of Vande Mataram. Penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his novel Anandamath, it stirred generations during the freedom struggle. It inspired protest, sacrifice and pride. Respecting it is not just appropriate; it is natural.
But respect loses its meaning the moment it is enforced.
The latest directive mandating the singing of all six stanzas of the national song at official functions, along with compulsory standing, crosses a subtle but significant line. Patriotism in a democracy is a sentiment to be nurtured, not a compliance requirement to be monitored. India’s strength lies precisely in the fact that its national symbols command reverence without the need for policing.
It is worth remembering that historically, only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram have been accorded official status. That was not accidental. The decision reflected sensitivity to India’s plural character. The Constituent Assembly debates were marked by careful balancing, culminating in the adoption of Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem while acknowledging Vande Mataram as the national song. It was a compromise rooted in wisdom.
To now insist on rendering all six stanzas at official ceremonies risks reopening settled questions. Not because the song lacks greatness, but because uniformity cannot be the yardstick of national loyalty. In a country of multiple faiths, languages and histories, patriotism has always worn many expressions.
There is a difference between honouring a song and weaponising it as a loyalty litmus test.
When the State prescribes how citizens must demonstrate reverence, it weakens the very emotion it seeks to strengthen. True respect is voluntary. It rises from memory, gratitude and shared history. It does not require circulars.
India does not need louder displays of nationalism. It needs quieter confidence in its own unity. Let Vande Mataram be sung with pride, by choice. That would honour both the song and the Republic far more than any mandate ever could.
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