Indian Independence Day: Why Was ‘Vande Mataram’ Sung Before the National Anthem at Red Fort?
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At the 80th Independence Day ceremony held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, an unusual sight was witnessed for the first time in 80 years of history.
Before the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed that this was the first time ‘Vande Mataram’ had been played at the Red Fort before Independence Day celebrations.
This move has sparked various reactions from different quarters across India.
A New Change on Independence Day
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The full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ has recently been granted legal protection similar to that of the national anthem. On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, on Friday, President Draupadi Murmu addressed the nation, where ‘Vande Mataram’ was played at both the beginning and end of her speech.
While the constitutionally recognized national anthem is viewed as the supreme musical symbol of the republic, playing ‘Vande Mataram’ holds significant importance as well.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate organizations have long advocated for ‘Vande Mataram,’ which includes references to Hindu religious motifs.
Recently, the Narendra Modi government amended the law to grant ‘Vande Mataram’ recognition similar to ‘Jana Gana Mana.’ Previously, the national anthem was played during official government and state ceremonies, while the national song was mostly reserved for cultural programs.
The Ministry of Defence, which organizes the Independence Day event, recently announced it would honor the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ by giving it special recognition for the first time.
According to the new guidelines, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival at the Red Fort, the national song was played first, followed by the national flag hoisting, and finally the national anthem.
Changes in the Law
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Critics have linked ‘Vande Mataram’ to the Hindutva movement associated with the RSS, arguing that the national anthem, which embraces India’s diversity and pluralism, should be given precedence.
The six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ mention Hindu deities such as Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, depicting India as a worshipful mother goddess.
According to the revised law approved by the President earlier this week, insulting the national song is punishable with up to three years in prison, similar to the penalties for disrespecting the national anthem.
Congress senior leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concerns, questioning the propriety of having people listen respectfully to both songs for nearly six minutes at every ceremony’s start and end.
Opposition from Muslim Leaders
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Muslim organizations have also opposed this provision, arguing that Islamic principles forbid worship of anyone other than Allah.
Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi stated in opposition, “While ‘Jana Gana Mana’ reflects the inclusive nature of the country and its people, ‘Vande Mataram’ involves worship of deities.”
The Modi government passed this bill in Parliament after only a 15-minute debate, despite opposition members voicing concerns.
DMK MP K. Kanimozhi accused the BJP of promoting Hindutva under the guise of nationalism, calling the law “anti-federal” and stating that nationalism should not be enforced through legislation.
In 1937, the Congress party led by Jawaharlal Nehru consulted Rabindranath Tagore about adopting ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national song. Tagore advised that the final stanzas might cause objections among Muslims and Brahmins.
Tagore recommended that only the first two stanzas be used as the national song, describing the beauty of the motherland, whereas the later stanzas involve worship of the Hindu goddess Durga.
Journalist and author Neelanjan Mukhopadhyay mentioned this issue in his article published on August 14.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1875, with further stanzas included later in his 1882 novel ‘Anandamath.’
States not governed by the BJP, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have clearly stated they will not comply with the central government’s directive. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on Wednesday that the state’s official song ‘Tamil Thai Valthu’ will be sung first at all government events and official ceremonies in the state.
Similarly, Kerala’s Congress government has clarified that all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ will not be sung. Traditionally, only the first two stanzas have been performed at state events, including Independence Day celebrations.
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