Are Vande Mataram guidelines in the nation's interest, asks former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari?
Synopsis
Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari endorses the Union Home Ministry's new guidelines on 'Vande Mataram', emphasizing its national significance. He argues that everyone should participate without discrimination, highlighting its long-standing presence in education. The government’s mandate to perform all stanzas aims to unify the nation. Discover more about the implications of this decision.
Key Takeaways
Mandatory rendition of all stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at government events and schools.
Promotion of national unity through inclusive participation.
The guidelines aim to treat the song as a complete composition .
Attendees must stand during the performance except in theaters.
Introduced during the celebration of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The former litigant of the Babri Masjid, Iqbal Ansari, expressed his support for the Union Home Ministry's newly established guidelines that require the performance of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at specific government events and in educational institutions. He stated that this initiative serves the nation's interest and should not be met with opposition.
In a conversation with IANS, Ansari remarked, “This is a positive development. Everyone should recite ‘Vande Mataram’. We do so ourselves. There is nothing inappropriate about it. Some individuals seem to find issues with everything.”
He highlighted that the song has been included in the educational syllabus since early schooling. “From primary school through high school and intermediate studies, it has been part of our learning. Now that the government has mandated it, it is indeed a commendable step. Everyone should participate in reciting ‘Vande Mataram’. There should be no bias in this regard. In addition to education, this practice holds great significance. People have been reciting it in the past, and they will continue to do so,” he added.
When addressing the critics of this proposal, Ansari noted that a small number of people tend to object whenever positive actions are taken.
The newly introduced regulations specify that when both the national song and the national anthem are performed during an event, ‘Vande Mataram’ should be sung before ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The Ministry has also clarified that attendees are required to stand with respect during the performance of the national song, but this rule will not apply in theaters when the song is played as part of a movie or documentary.
Previously, there was no clearly defined protocol for ‘Vande Mataram’, unlike the national anthem, which adheres to specific regulations. The Central Government stated that this initiative aims to eliminate what it called an artificial distinction between the “acceptable” and “excluded” verses and to present the song as a complete work as originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
These guidelines are being introduced during the Narendra Modi government's year-long celebrations recognizing 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and follow an extensive parliamentary discussion regarding its application.
Point of View
The introduction of guidelines mandating the performance of 'Vande Mataram' reflects a commitment to cultural unity and national pride. Encouraging participation from all citizens, regardless of background, promotes inclusivity in patriotic expressions. It is essential to recognize and respect diverse viewpoints while fostering a collective national identity.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new guidelines regarding 'Vande Mataram'?
The new guidelines mandate the rendition of all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' at designated government functions and in schools, emphasizing its importance in national identity.
Who is Iqbal Ansari and what is his stance on these guidelines?
Iqbal Ansari is a former litigant in the Babri Masjid case who supports the guidelines, stating that everyone should recite 'Vande Mataram' as it promotes national interest.
Why has the government made 'Vande Mataram' mandatory?
The government aims to foster a sense of unity and remove artificial distinctions between verses, treating the song as a complete composition.
What happens during events where both the national anthem and 'Vande Mataram' are performed?
The guidelines specify that 'Vande Mataram' must precede 'Jana Gana Mana', and attendees are required to stand during its rendition.
Will these guidelines affect schools and educational institutions?
Yes, the guidelines mandate the recitation of 'Vande Mataram' in schools, ensuring that students are educated about this important national song.
