Only first 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram to be sung in Kerala: Minister

Kerala's Health Minister K Muraleedharan announced on Sunday that only the first two stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' will be sung at government events. This decision came after a circular issued by Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha on August 6, which directed all government events to fully sing or play Vande Mataram as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign from August 9 to 17.

The order followed the Union Ministry of Culture's directive to recite Vande Mataram in full during the physical observance of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. This directive sparked controversy in Kerala, where the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalitions argued that some later stanzas of the song contain references to Hindu deities and are not in line with the country's pluralistic ideals.

Muraleedharan clarified that while the chief secretary may have relayed the Union government's directives, his state will only sing the first two stanzas at government events. He explained that this adheres to Kerala's past practice and maintains the state's pluralistic approach. The swearing-in ceremony of the UDF government in May followed the full rendition of Vande Mataram due to the presence of the Governor, who required the full recitation as per central protocol.

However, state government functions maintain their own protocol, with Muraleedharan stating that this decision will continue.