'Zealots overlooked human nature': Tharoor questions full Vande Mataram rendition
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concerns over the practicalities of the Vande Mataram amendment, which requires the full National Song to be sung at the beginning and end of official functions, alongside the National Anthem, on Tuesday. Tharoor pointed out that the provision, passed without discussion in Parliament, could result in audiences standing for an extended period before and after events.
He noted that the National Song takes approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds to sing in full, which could add up to a total of 12 extra minutes when combined with the National Anthem and the State Song in Tamil, as decided by Tamil Nadu. Tharoor, who respects both the National Anthem and National Song, questioned whether longer ceremonial requirements would truly promote greater respect for the National Song or if it might have the opposite effect.
He emphasized that respect and patience cannot be legislated and highlighted the impracticality of audiences remaining standing for six minutes before and after official functions.
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