Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has stirred a debate regarding the recitation of “Vande Mataram,” questioning whether the national song needs to be sung in its entirety at every public event. Tharoor described the requirement to sing the full version as “unnecessary and burdensome” for audiences, emphasizing that respect for “Vande Mataram” should not equate to making its full rendition obligatory at all occasions.
His comments come amid rising controversy surrounding demands for the complete version of the national song to be performed at official functions. Speaking to reporters, Tharoor acknowledged widespread respect for “Vande Mataram” but argued against the necessity of requiring its full rendition at every gathering. He noted that many people are familiar with only the first verse, adding, “Vande Mataram is the national song and we stand up in respect when it is sung. The first verse, or the first couple of verses, is something most people know by heart.”
Tharoor pointed out that traditionally, “Vande Mataram” is sung once at the beginning of an event, while the national anthem is typically played at the end. He expressed concern over the push for all five verses to be sung at both the start and conclusion of every event, deeming it an “unnecessary imposition.”
He referred to the Kerala government’s position that singing the full version is optional, contrasting it with the perspective of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who seems to advocate for a different interpretation. Tharoor remarked, “It may ultimately have to be adjudicated because there is no law passed by Parliament requiring this. It is more a matter of convention.”
While Tharoor reiterated his respect for the national song, stating, “We all respect Vande Mataram. I can happily sing it for you,” he highlighted an incident during a book launch event where both the beginning and end featured the full song. He noted that having the audience stand for a lengthy and less familiar rendition of the song twice became an issue.
Calling the ongoing dispute “unfortunate,” he expressed hope for an amicable resolution. Tharoor acknowledged the appropriateness of singing it once during ceremonial occasions involving high-ranking officials, such as the president, vice president, or prime minister, but questioned the rationale for singing the entire song twice during brief programs, labeling it not particularly efficient.
In response, the ruling BJP criticized Tharoor’s stance, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonwalla accusing him of capitulating to pressure from the Muslim League.
